Relics of the American West: 1850-1920 - ONLINE ONLY
Lot 2416:
Description
This curated assembly of four hand-carved Kachina (Katsina) dolls represents a vibrant cross-section of Southwestern ceremonial artistry. The lot features a Crow Mother with her distinctive side-wings, a Sun Face (Tawa) boasting a bright turquoise tablita, a Hemis Kachina with its tiered geometric crown, and a Bear (Hon) or Ogre spirit featuring a removable black faux-fur mask. These figures are expertly crafted from wood and embellished with dyed feathers, leather fringe, and intricate hand-painted iconography characteristic of the Hopi and Zuni traditions. The bases show hand-written attributions including “Hemis,” “Sun,” and artist initials “AIB” and “S.W.” The style and use of materials suggest they are contemporary works from the late 20th century. While “S.W.” is a common set of initials among carvers (sometimes associated with the Silas or Williams families of the Hopi mesas), “AIB” likely represents a specific artist’s mark or a studio attribution from that era. The set presents in excellent vintage condition; the paint remains remarkably crisp, and the structural elements, including the delicate headdresses, are intact and free of chips or breaks. Minor natural ruffling is present on the feathers. H 8″, W 4″, D 2.5″ Please see photos.
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