Description:

Native American, Southwest, Navajo, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A very special pair of hand-carved Navajo wooden dolls, both presenting relatively rudimentary forms comprised of a rounded head, delineated neckline, simple body, and two legs (no arms). They are generally undecorated aside from incised eyes and a diamond on the chest of one and incised eyes and painted black arms on the other. An old label presents a typed informative passage that reads, "NAVAJO 'DOLLS' - Sacrificial figurines are carved by a medicine man during a brief ceremony in order to correct damage done by violation of minor taboos. These figures are placed near an ancient ruin, supposed to be of easy access to the supernaturals." A very special pair indeed. Size: taller measures 7.875" H (20 cm)

Three similar Navajo dolls were sold for $1500 by Bonhams - Native American Art - 2 June 2014, Lot 2000 -https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/21502/lot/2000/?category=list

Provenance: ex-Bill Mitchell collection, Cortez, Colorado, USA, acquired from 1958 to 1962

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#147761

  • Condition: Expected age cracks and surface wear. Dolls are not repaired.

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November 14, 2019 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000