The Kachina Motel
 All content copyright 2013 Peggy DeMouthe     ® The Kachina Motel
Tips for new collectors - page 2

​Large museum collections usually have only a portion of their total collection of dolls on display, and rotate them regularly with those in storage. This keeps the display fresh and interesting, but also means that dolls are not exposed to air and humidity at all times; dolls kept in storage are put in drawers deep enough to hold them safely, and are usually supported by chemically neutral padding to protect them further and keep them from moving as drawers are opened. This is a good strategy for the home collector as well; further, it keeps you from having to find new space on the walls! Since finding appropriate furniture in a home setting could be challenging, I have a bookshelf that I use to store dolls not on display, which keeps them supported and protected. A firm-sided shoe storage cabinet also make a great kachina storage cabinet!

Dolls should always be kept out of direct sunlight, and away from heater vents or air conditioning units. If there are smokers in your home, try to keep the dolls in an area that receives less exposure, as nicotine can leave a permanent yellow goo on any object.

This brings up an interesting traditional viewpoint. To the Hopi, kachina dolls should be allowed to breathe--they represent living beings and it is not healthy to wrap them in plastic or enclose them in sealed cases. So, while wrapping and enclosure certainly can preserve the appearance of your kachinas, a little breathing room will be appreciated. 

I have also been asked if I feed my kachinas. This doesn’t mean literally spooning food for them, but I do always have a small dish of cornmeal or an ear of colorful corn available in the room. 

Caring for your collection could take up a separate guide, but as a basic guideline, one should of course *never* use anything wet or damp to clean a kachina doll. Older dolls have painted surfaces that could be instantly ruined by moisture, and even newer dolls with wood-stain or acrylic paint surfaces could be harmed. 
Instead, use soft brushes, such as camel-hair watercolor brushes or even the inexpensive natural-bristle paint brushes from the hardware store, and use these to dust the dolls; these let you be as gentle as you need to be with fragile parts, yet can remove a lot of grime. 

If you acquire a kachina that is already soiled, a soft (dry) cloth or slightly stiffer brush may help remove longstanding dirt. On the whole, however, remember that less is better, and museum curators will always tell you: when in doubt, do nothing. You will preserve the current value of your doll more effectively this way and not risk damage or disappointment.