Zuni kachinas are spiritual beings who bring life by giving rain. Zuni kachinas are believed to live in isolated locations in northeastern Arizona.

Although all kachinas assist in bringing rain, each may have additional attributes such as aiding hunters, increasing animal herds, or promoting the early ripening of various plants. Still others may influence prosperity, long life, or one's general well-being or happiness.

The Buffalo Kachina appears in a Zuni version of a Plains Indian ritual dance that seeks the increase of several species of fur-bearing animals, including mountain lions, bear, and wolf. The dance was introduced around the turn of the century when the region's wildlife was diminishing.