Here’s The Story Behind The World’s Largest Kachina Doll Statue In Arizona

From the Wigwam Village Motel to the mysterious "The Thing," Arizona has no shortage of roadside attractions to gawk at. One of the most underrated is the world's largest kachina doll, located in Carefree. It's a whopping 39 feet tall! Read on to learn more about why it is a must-see.

Kachina dolls are sacred among the Hopi people, informing young women about katsinas, or the spirit beings that control various elements of the natural world.

Most kachina dolls are small enough to hold in your hand, but there's one at the entrance to the Tonto Hills community that's larger than life.

Surrounded by mountains and desert flora, this 39-foot kachina doll is considered to be the tallest in the world.

While there are many other giant kachina dolls scattered throughout the Southwest, none come close to the grandeur of this one.

The statue is inspired by a Corn Maiden Dancer Kachina, said to purify the women who grind the corn for both ceremonial and everyday purposes.

It was designed by a man named Phillip Sanderson, who used clay to build the original doll the sculpture is modeled after.

At the base of the doll, traditional Hopi vegetables indicate the four cardinal directions on a compass.

Standing tall and proud, the statue serves as a guardian of Tonto Hills and the entire town of Carefree.

Completed in 1970, the sculpture itself was erected by one Carl Ludlow.

The project took six months to complete, using a mixture of solid concrete and steel. The doll weighs a whopping 14.5 tons!

Address: 42027 N Old Mine Rd, Cave Creek, AZ 85331.

Have you ever seen the world's largest kachina doll? If so, what do you think? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below!

Be sure to also check out our previous article: 13 Bizarre Roadside Attractions In Arizona That Will Make You Do A Double Take.

Thinking about taking an Arizona vacay soon? Then consider booking your flight via the Dollar Flight Club.

If you’re still in the mood for more Arizona adventures, take a look at this video about the beautiful town of Sedona: