Determine whether the figurine is a genuine Kachina doll. Only traditionally trained Hopi artists make genuine Kachina dolls. Since the dolls were born out of Hopi spirituality, only dolls made by artists within that tradition are considered genuine. On the Hopi reservation it may be possible to buy a doll directly from the artist who made it. Reputable gallery owners will be familiar with the artist and eager to tell you about him. Avoid purchasing Kachina dolls at souvenir shops.
Request statements of compliance with The Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990. This act prohibits vendors from falsely suggesting that an item is Indian made. It also makes it illegal to claim that an item is made by Hopi if it was actually made by an artisan of a different Indian nation. Ask to view written certification of authenticity.
Ask what kind of wood the Kachina doll is carved from. Kachina dolls were traditionally made only from the root of the cottonwood tree. Cottonwood root is light in color and weight, soft, and has few knots. Now that this material is scarce, other woods are sometimes used, but Kachina dolls made from cottonwood root are still the most highly prized. Some galleries only sell dolls carved from cottonwood root.
Confirm that the Kachina doll, including its base, is carved from a single piece of wood. Headdresses and hand implements, such as whips or rattles, should be the only additions to the original wood block. Some artists carve arms and legs separately and then attach them, but dolls produced this way are considered to be of lesser quality.
Identify the specific spirit that the Kachina doll represents. There are more than 250 Kachina spirits. Each has distinguishing mask, costume and hand implements. One important example is Crow Mother, who is involved in initiations. She wears a woman's dress and green moccasins and carries yucca blades, used as whips. She has a rectangular mask and crow wings on the sides of her head.
Consult an illustrated book to learn the names, activities and characteristics of the various Kachina dolls and the spirits they represent (see Resources). A reputable dealer should also be able to tell the stories of the Kachina dolls she sells.