Kachinas make their wills known to the Hopi people by selecting men from the society to act on their behalf. These ceremonial dancers, decked out and masked, are also known simply as katsinam. Despite the skepticism evident in this quote, it is clear that this manifestation of katsinam is a group of men in costume who are representing the katsina spirits within the community. Their preparations are lengthy and elaborate, including the creation of their costumes and masks and of the small gifts they bestow upon the children. On the last day when the men exit from the kiva as kachinas, they are, in effect, exiting reborn in a new guise.
Little boys receive symbols of fertility in the form of lightning bolts, indicating rain.
These are carved from wood and are painted in the colors of the six directions. The boys also receive bows and arrows, symbols of provision. Celebrations are joyous and all can participate, solidifying the sense of community and interdependence amongst the members of the village. Children participate as gift recipients until they are old enough to be initiated into the adult kachina society. Decked out in feathers and brightly-dyed wools, adorned with rattles and prayer sticks, katsinas also sport large, elaborate masks, hiding the faces of the men who represent the spirits.