(continued)
Running Kachinas come in groups with a Koyemsi to help them. They challenge the young men of the village to foot races for prizes of food. Each has it's own particular punishment if a challenger is caught from behind: soot from stove pipes, mud, or dry dung is smeared on the face, chili is forced into the mouth, clothes are torn, hair is clipped, beatings with sticks or yucca whips..... these are just a few punishments given to the challengers as well as innocent bystanders (young and old), no one is safe! It's all in fun as no one is seriously injured or hurt, that is not the intent. It is said that the faster the person runs against the Kachinas, the sooner the dry washes will flow with the spring run-off of melted snow, and the sooner the rain showers will come so the people will once again water their crops.
The Kachina Society is very complex and goes much deeper than what is explained here. This is an overview and gives a general idea of the origin and groups of the Kachina.
The art of Kachina doll carving has come a long way in the past 100 years. It has evolved from it's simple early forms. The root of the cottonwood tree is shaped with simple tools, paints made from the earth mixed with whitewash. Decorated with bird feathers, shells, hair, plants, fur and leather, and sometimes miniature clothing was made to dress the dolls.
The wood carvings themselves were generally standing figures, arms curved, in relief style next to the body. Hands and feet carved very crudely. The purpose of these dolls were to be gifts to the young girls who would receive them by the actual Kachina when a dance was performed in a Hopi village. The dolls were taken home and used as a casual aid to teach the children all the different names, the purpose, origins, songs, dances, powers, decorations and designs of the Kachina. They were then hung on the walls inside their homes as a constant reminder. This purpose continues to this day, but the Kachina doll is now highly collectable.