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The Hopi tribe comes from northern Arizona. As with all tribes, these people have certain traditions that they celebrate. One in particular that is of interest involves dolls called Kachina Dolls.

Kachinas are spirit beings who the Hopi people believe are responsible for many of the forces of nature. They believe that these Kachinas often help them find the right way to live in the world. Though the numbers change, there are believed to be as many as 600 recognized Kachina spirits celebrated among the Hopi villages.

In late December, Kachina ceremonies begin to honor these spirits that the Hopi believe in. Men dress up in elaborate costumes to look like the Kachina they are representing. Additionally, they also carve a doll, called a Tihu and give it to all of the females and infants in the tribe.

The Tihus, or Kachina Dolls, which are believed to embody the spirit of the Kachina they represent, are then taken home and hung from the wall to protect anything that is considered a valued possession.

To get an idea of some of the different Kachina spirits, here are a few of their names and what they represent: Mongwi is the chief kachina which has a personal interest in the well being of the clan which they are associated with. Tuwalakum are warrior kachinas who guard the ceremonial dances from unwanted onlookers. Momoyam are female kachina spirits and they watch over the wives, mothers and sisters. Ogres are kachinas that come to reinforce the Hopi way of life to the children.