Elkhorn Trading Company
Baskets
Kachina Spirit Dolls
Kachina dolls, also known as Katsinas, are the visual representations of the invisible spirits that assist in the everyday challenges of life.  The Hopi tribe claims to be the first to have carved and used the Kachinas.  When the dolls are skillfully sculpted from a single piece of cottonwood they have the most value to collectors.  The Kachinas are created from memory.  When a carver or apprentice attends ceremonial dances it is imperative that he (Hopi carvers are most often male) memorize every detail of the Kachina dancer's costume.  From this, the dolls are created and used to teach the young about the spirit world and its influence on every aspect of life.
Native Americans have produced beautiful and utilitarian baskets for thousands of years.  The Hopi nation has been recognized as one of the premier weavers in North America.  These baskets represent the collective skill of generations as  techniques and traditions of basket weaving are passed down from hand to hand. Baskets were, and still are, an expression of individual art as well as tribal identity.  Indian baskets of today are woven in much the same way as they were a thousand years ago using native materials such as yucca, devil’s claw, willow, and grasses. The tools have changed little being primarily the awl and the hands of the artisan.

Zuni Fetish Carvings
The people of the great Zuni nation are revered for the physical and spiritual quality of there fetish carvings.  A Zuni Fetish is an animal, bird or figure hand carved from stone, shell, antler, wood or other natural materials. In ancient times, the Fetishes were carved as "hunting" fetishes to ensure a plentiful and successful hunt. They are also used in healing ceremonies and may benefit a single person or an entire community.   
Fetishes are cared for and treated with respect.  They are fed cornmeal and kept in a special place within the home. "Offerings" are often attached to the fetish by the artist to further please the spirit world.  To be a true Fetish, a carving must be blessed by a member of the tribe.   In general, fetishes offered for sale are works of art and are not blessed ceremonial objects.
Pottery
Acoma Pueblo is known worldwide as the epicenter for Native American pottery.  The craftsmanship required to produce each piece carries with it centuries of technique, generations of refinement, and the spirit of ancient times.  Each traditional pot is made with clay that is mined on the pueblo in a secret location.  The clay is prepared by grinding, tempering, and soaking for several weeks.  Then the piece is molded or constructed with long coils of clay, depending on size.  The pot is polished using a wet stone or other favored object and slip is applied in several layers.   Once the surface has been prepared a decision is made regarding design.  Some potters say the spirit of the pot will reveal itself.   A pot may remain undecorated, a beautiful work of art that needs no adornment.  Or the artist may carefully plan and execute elaborate patterns.  Through scratching techniques (Sgraffito), painting with natural pigment using chewed yucca strips, or other methods, the pot takes on its individual character.  There is one chance to do it right or the hours of preparation evaporate in the wind.  At last, the pot is fired.  Conditions must be right.  The ground, air and pot need to be at correct temperatures before a successful firing can take place.  As with all of the steps above, prayers accompany this final stage of creation.
by Sandra Victorino, Acoma Pueblo, NM
by Mary Small, Jemez Pueblo, NM