Miniature Quqole Kachina Doll Pair by Earl Sunaweuma (Hopi) These carvings represent male dancers who during Hopi rituals, impersonate numerous spirit beings called Katsinas. The dolls are not worshiped or prayed to as idols. They are, however, often presented to the young girls by Katsina dancers, possibly as an aid in ceremonial education. Hopi dolls are carved from cottonwood roots with knife and rasp. Carvers fashion simpler dolls from single pieces of wood and more elaborate ones from several pieces fit together with tiny wooden pegs. Each doll is painted and decorated to accurately depict a specific dancer. Some exhibit traditional, stylized forms while others reflect a modern trend toward more active, lifelike figures. Few Native crafts appeal so powerfully to both the eye and the imagination as these unique creations by Hopi artisans. This magnificent Qoqole Kachina Doll Pair measures 5.5 inches by 5 inches.