Native American Kachinas are benevolent spirts of life and not worshipped as idols. Kachinas dolls and Salakos are a means of education, and are used as decorations for the home or collected for their meanings and beauty. Kachinas dolls or carvings are a reminder of what they represent and their culture. Colors and symbolic features of Native American designs are used in the creation of a variety of Kachinas dolls largely to maintain their tradition.

Although traditionally Kachinas and Salakos are carved from wood I've chosen to depict them through my work with gourds. Each Kachina and Salako have taken days to complete, from it's design, pyroengraving, staining, painting and inlaid stone work. Each is a labor of love and made to add to your collection and enjoyment for years to come.