Western New Mexico, around the Pueblo of Zuni in the Zuni River Valley
 Zuni Tribe (A:shiwi) carvers

Cottonwood roots, pigment, feathers
Early-Mid 20^th century
Height: 13.5 in; Length: 20.8 in
Other – Ritual Symbolism 

A rare old Zuni fish-style canoe with four carved Kachina dolls.  These Zuni figures are a specific type of Kachina doll, representing both spiritual beings (Katsinam) from the Pueblo tribes and serving as teaching tools to help younger generations learn about spiritual traditions.  They are carved from cottonwood roots.

As seen here, Zuni carvers place more emphasis on the ceremonial attire, using natural pigments and dyes, plus featuring real feathers.  These Zuni Kachina dolls are displayed in homes as reminders of the spiritual beings that guide their community and bring blessings.

The terms Katsina and Kachina are often used interchangeably but have distinct origins. Traditionally, “Katsina” dolls, called tihu, is the word for spiritual beings believed to interact with humans through rituals, while “Kachina” is the Westernized spelling of the term, typically referring to the dolls themselves.