The Kachina Doll: Easy Native American Craft for Kids of All Ages

An original Kachina doll is a very detailed religious figure that is carved from cottonwood root and painted to represent figures from the native american Hopi mythology. Kachina dolls are used to teach children about their religion. Authentic Kachina dolls can be purchased online, but the authentic Kachina dolls are expensive. The Eagle Dancer Kachina Doll by Native American Indian Artist Travis Boyd cost $819 plus $64.72 for shipping charges. The cost is well worth it, if you can afford it. Here you can view some other Kachina dolls for sale.

When teaching your children about the Native American Kachina doll, there are some videos on You Tube, "The Traditional Hopi Kachina Dolls" and have your children watch so they can get an idea what a Kachina doll looks like and to give them inspiration. If you look at the videos, children can easily make their version of a Native American craft of a Kachina Doll with Crayola Model Magic (all-white). There are many retail stores that sell the Crayola All White Model magic. Go here for a list of stores near you. Amazon.com sells Crayola Model Magic (all-white) for $18.86 plus applicable shipping charges. What is really cool about Crayola Magic Model is that the product is non-toxic, safe, very lightweight, and easy to handle. The Crayola Model Magic won't crumble into little pieces or get stuck on your clothes or skin.

First, you will want to take a little of the Crayola Model Magic (all-white) out of the bucket. After having your child watch the video, they probably know which Kachina doll they would like to attempt to create or they may create one of their own. Have them shape their body and then add any detailed pieces they would like. The can use a toothpick to make their Native American craft of a Kachina doll detailed. The next step is to wait 24 hours. The Crayola Model Magic air dries and should be completed dried within 24 hours. The next step after your Kachina doll dries, you will want to have them decorate their Kachina doll with Crayola paint or markers. Crayola makes a neat product, Crayola Paint Brush Pens that cost $5.17 on Amazon.com or you can find lots of Crayola markers on Amazon.com. The last step is to add any Native American detailed crafts such as feathers or any other Kachina doll Native American craft. There are many different items your child can add to your Kachina doll including feathers, stems, buttons, glitter glue, and more. You can find a Giant Jar of Crafts on the Michael's website.

Sources and Resources:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7OGLAM7OPM&NR=1

http://www.bjstoresusa.com/index.cfm/Eagle_Dancer_Kachina_Doll_by_Hopi_Native_American_Indian_Artist_Travis_Boyd_929.htm

http://www.crayola.com/products/where_to_buy/index.cfm

http://www.amazon.com/Crayola-Model-Magic-White/dp/B0017DBDJ6/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=office-products&qid=1256412968&sr=8-8

http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&source=hp&q=buy+kachina+dolls&um=1&ie=UTF-8

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Dgarden&field-keywords=Crayola+Markers&x=0&y=0

http://www.michaels.com/art/online/displayProductPage?productNum=gc1539

http://www.amazon.com/Crayola-Paint-Brush-Pens/dp/B000ZL0QQ2/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1256414567&sr=8-13