Posted 5 months ago
dav2no1
(823 items)
Navajo Kachina Doll
Approximately 16" tall & base is 7" wide
Navajo
Signed by Carver: Hash Smith (I believe it says Hash?)
Title: "Black Ogre"
Circa: 1970s
I aquired this from an elderly gentleman. He said he used to be a jeweler and was buying lots of turquoise in the Arizona area. Some time in the 70s he was visiting a doctor friend who took him to Ganado Arizona and onto the reservation. An Indian carver made this for him while they watched.
I believe the name of the carver is Hash Smith? I have not found anything yet in my research. I am waiting to hear back from a few people I have contacted.
This is clearly a Navajo kachina. Navajo pieces tend to be more decorative than Hopi kachinas. Hopi carvings are based more on actual spirits vs Navajo kachinas that are mostly artistic creations.
FOR THE GIRLS AND BOYS BUT NOT TOYS
"Kachina dolls originated with the Hopi tribe. They were given to Hopi children during ceremonies, then hung on the wall and studied afterward. Kachina dolls were made in the image of the spirits worshipped by the tribe. They were not toys to play with, but religious icons to celebrate and contemplate."
Fascinating Navajo Kachina doll, I've always found American Indian spirits intriguing
An incredible piece and wonderful story behind it Dave!! Wouldn't you have loved to be there while this was being carved? If only we could hear the stories this could tell!!!!
dav2no1, Cool. :-)
It's especially cool that the former owner saw it being made.
Perhaps the name on the back is "Hugh Smith?":
*snip*
A Hugh Smith "White Buffalo" kachina figure
Signed and titled to underside: Hugh Smith / White Buffalo
14.5" H x 11" W x 6" D
*snip*
https://www.johnmoran.com/auction-lot/a-group-of-kachina-figures_E184FA29B5
Here's another kachina titled "Black Ogre," and signed by an artist named Smith:
https://www.ebth.com/items/4221505-vintage-black-ogre-10-inch-kachina-doll-signed-by-smith
The handwriting looks different, but then so did the handwriting on the Hugh Smith kachina. Sigh.
Jenni - I have a few pieces of American Indian art. I like the spirit figures as well.
Scott- Yes I bet there's some great stories. Very artistic stuff.
Kera - From my little research that I've done so far, Smith is a very common carver name amongst the Navajo. It looks like a well done piece, so it would be nice to associate the name with a carver.