Kathys Kachina Dolls

[MKathleen]

Size: 7 1/2" Tall including base
Medium: basswood and cottonwood
Paint: Acrylic

Cross-posted also in the Sculpture Forum (hope it's ok)

Hi All:
One of my other passions is wood carving/sculpture. I created these dolls for some English friends who are coming for a visit in September.
I drew the pattern onto a block of basswood, and carved out the basic shape, the red ears, red speaking tube and sashes are carved separately and attached with wood glue. The feathers are from a pheasant wing given to me by a hunter friend. The beads are real stones and I think add to the decorative presentation.
I have carved several of these dolls and each one is always different.
As always I appreciate your thoughts and comments.
Kathy

[Kathryn Wilson]

It's so nice to see sculpture in this forum - it really is a big part of southwest art and I hope to see more sculpturists posting their work.

Nice Kachinas!

[MKathleen]

Thank you Kat, it's nice to have a forum where everything Southwest can be posted. Lot's of variety!
Kathy

[sassybird]

Kathleen, thanks for posting these. I love Kachinas, and if I had the money I would have a collection of them. I look forward to seeing more of your work.

[MKathleen]

Hi Sassy, yep me too! I wish I had a true collection too. I have to settle for making my own collection. For those who don't know about the cost of a Kachina doll they sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Mine are made for myself and gifts to friends and family. I always note on the bottom of the base that they are not authentic but made by me. I use the reproduction symbol. I don't want someone thinking after I'm long, long, gone their Kachina is an original.
Kathy

[objectivistartist]

what makes a Kachina doll an 'original' ?

[MKathleen]

Hi Robert, I guess what I'm trying to avoid is someone thinking my Kachina dolls were created by a Hopi Indian. The Hopi and Navajo are very sensative about anglo's carving Kachinas. Even though I carved the dolls they are based on a Kachina. I don't sell my dolls so I feel I'm not taking any income away from an Indian carver. My dolls are original to me, I just don't want to offend anyone.
Kathy

[objectivistartist]

tell them to get a life - your's are then as original as theirs, and ye should be proud of doing so well at them..... their attitude is racist, and should be called out for what it is.....

[MKathleen]

Robert, thank you for your comments.
Kathy

[Enchanted]

Even though I carved the dolls they are based on a Kachina.
Kathy

Not to be too nit-picky, but I presume you know the meaning of the Kachina DOLLS? If you do, then it would be incorrect to state that you base your dolls on Kachinas - meaning you are representing one of the spiritual deities of Hopi religion. What I think you mean is that you're creating Kachina dolls that look "similar" to those produced by American Indians.

It's the religious symbolism that gets in the way of non-Indian peoples creating Kachina dolls. It's not for me or anyone else to question why the Hopi so zealously guard their cultural beliefs - but they do. It's no different than say the Freemasons guarding their rituals. Or any other group of people doing the same.

:wave:

[Barbara Art]

This could be the beginning of a VERY interesting discussion! :evil: :angel: There are (IMO) two facets to consider when using another culture's images. First, is the artist producing and/or selling the artwork as if it were made by the originators of the image? You're not, Kathy, obviously. The second is whether or not someone else's religion/culture is being slandered or highjacked somehow. This is especially sensitive if the religion or culture is still active (Hopi, Navaho, Muslim, Christian, etc.) rather than dead (cave dwellers, Stonehenge builders, Romans, etc.). Lots of people have used the images of others, Emily Carr (for example) made ceramics with Northwest Indian designs, even though she was of English descent. Kokopelli is printed all over T-shirts and cards, made into earrings, etc. Robert Genn makes paintings of totem poles, apparently with the blessing of those they belong to. Francis Bacon painted those screaming Popes. The bottom line seems to be whether the image is respected or disrespected. Adventurous country!
Barbara

[Playm]

Hey Kathy, I love your little kachina dolls ... and I believe that your guests from Europe will appreciate your thoughfullness and work at creating a wonderful piece of art-souvineer to remind them of their time in the American southwest. You did good, girl!!

[sassybird]

Enchanted and Barbara, this is a piece of art work. If you want a religious discussion then go to the Inspiritual Art forum, because this is not the place for it. Please keep the discussion on the art.

[Barbara Art]

Sorry, Charissa; got carried away.....:o
Barbara

[MKathleen]

Hey playm, thank you. It's exciting knowing my litle Kachina dolls will be traveling across the pond to England. I appreciate you looking and commenting on my dolls.
Kathy