Kachina Doll

Red Kilt Runner (Palavitkuntaqa) Kachina, an example of a kachina doll (tihu) carved from cottonwood root. This contemporary doll is of the New Traditional type, which resembles early historic dolls characterized by a proportionately large head emphasizing the features of the mask, arms not separate from the body and carved in a "stomach ache" position,  and straight, narrowly separated legs. It is also painted with muted colors similar to those produced by the mineral and vegetal paints used on the early dolls. The traditional dolls were designed to be hung on a wall with a string or yarn around the neck and lack the stand characterizing most modern dolls. (Author's collection. Carved by Manfred Susunkewa. Height 9 1/2 inches)

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