A kachina is a masked doll that represents a spirit, in this case the Crow Mother Angwusnasomtaka. She is the Mother of all Kachinas who conducts initiation rites for children. The Crow Mother* is a Hopi Kachina, however, this carving is by Diné (Navajo Nation) Native American P. Tsosie from New Mexico.
The carved and painted details of these figures are intricate and beautiful. The masked Crow Mother at the top wears a turquoise necklace and ring and a striped shawl. Below her is a long-haired daughter; on the left branch is another long haired daughter wearing turquoise bracelets and rings on her hands. Below them on one side is a sunburst of feathers, topped with a shield or crest; on the other side, a cliff dwelling with a ladder to the side. Many of the designs are burned into the wood.
The Crow Mother figure is 13 1/2 inches tall, while the lower branch is 8 1/2 inches tall to the top of the outstretched hand. From the hand to the opposite edge is 6 inches. The round base is 3 3/4 inches in diameter and the kachina weighs 1/2 pound. It's in excellent condition, with no cracks, chips nor any damage to the paint or carving.
The artist has signed the piece in black on the bottom, hand printed "Crow Mother & 2-Dgar P. Tsosie." (We believe the letters Dgar are an abbreviation for daughter.) This is a very handsome piece that is impressive enough to display on its own, but looks great with Native American pottery, baskets and weaving as well.
* Note that the name Crow Mother has no relationship with the Crow Indian tribe.
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