Make a Hopi-theme Kachina doll or mask. November is Native American Heritage month. The purpose of "Paper Kachina Masks for Young Children" is to provide an overview of kachina art and culture in the hopes of piquing the interests of young children to learn more about Southwestern Native American Hopi Pueblo arts, crafts and culture. Masks and other designs in this web site are definitely not genuine or authentic native American artworks and are intended only for educational and entertainment purposes. Readers are encouraged to support authentic Native American art and artisans and learn more about the fascinating Pueblo cultures by visiting the Kachina and Native American resources page.
Most images in "Paper Kachina Masks for Young Children" are based upon historic, government and educational artistic renditions of kachina dolls and other art works on display in national public parks, museums and in historical reference material freely available to the public. Many records of kachina masks and costumes date as far back as the late 1800's.
The kachina mask representations are presented both as finished color book drawings and in basic face format so children can create their own mask decorations using colorful feathers, cloth, beads, etc., or print and color the ears, feathers and other symbols provided in the parts section.
As with any cultural folk art, kachina masks have changed over the years and may no longer resemble the old style many of which are represented in this web site. In the Hopi religion there are over 400 kachina types. This site contains approximately 100 kachina types.
These masks are artistic interpretations, thematic and not drawn to scale or complete accuracy. Children are encouraged to visit the Native American resources listed in the resources and references page to determine appropriate colors and decorations for each type of mask.
These Kachina masks and designs are also useful for embroidery, needle point, scroll saw and other personal and not-for-profit craft activities.