Katsina (Kachina) figures generally represent the Kachinam, spirits of deities, natural elements or animals, or the deceased ancestors of the Hopi. The oldest known surviving Katsina figure dates back from the 18th century—it was a flat object with an almost indistinguishable shape that suggested a head and contained minimal body paint. Most Hopi manufacturers today that sell Katsina dolls do it for trade and do not necessarily make figures that reflect authentic Kachinam. The Katsina pictured here is the Sunface (Tawa.) The Sunface Kachina represents the spirit of the Sun, warmth, shelter, hope, and is considered to be one of the more powerful Kachinas because, in tradition, the Sun is the brightest and largest of all the stars. By Coolidge Roy Jr.