What are Kachina dolls primarily created to resemble?

Kachina dolls are primarily created to resemble spirits, specifically those that are part of the Hopi and other Pueblo peoples' religious beliefs. These dolls are crafted to represent the various Kachinas, or spirit beings, that the Hopi people believe act as intermediaries between the material world and the spiritual world. Each doll is intended to embody particular attributes or functions, reflecting the diverse roles the Kachinas play in ceremonial practices and the belief system of the community.

The creation of Kachina dolls serves both a spiritual and educational purpose; they often help teach children about the Kachina world and the significance of the spirits within their culture. This focus on spiritual representation is what distinguishes Kachina dolls from other potential representations such as historical figures or traditional clothing, which may be significant in their own right but do not capture the primary role that Kachinas hold in the spiritual life of the community.