The carving of Kachina Dolls The making of a Kachina Doll Kachinas are carved from the root of the Cottonwood tree.
Rough carving is done with a hatchet or butcher knife and mallet.
Detail work is done with chisels and rasps before finishing with sandpaper. After carving the porous wood is primed with a coating of clay or, more recently, commercial gesso or acrylic. Colour was originally applied from mineral pigments and vegetable dyes. Today acrylic paints are commonly used. After painting accessory pieces such as ruffs, or bows and arrows may be added.