Navajo Kachina Kokopelli Doll By Jornn Cayaditto and Owl Doll By Robert Platero Pair

Late 20th Century

5.5" H x 4.25" H X 4.25" W

Hand Carved from Cottonwood Root

Excellent Condition

JoAnn Cayaditto (also spelled as Jornn or Joanne) was a Navajo artisan (1967–2007) known for crafting traditional-style Kachina dolls, often inspired by Hopi designs but adapted with Navajo elements like leather, feathers, beads, and vibrant paints. These dolls are not central to Navajo spirituality (unlike Hopi Katsinam) but serve as cultural souvenirs and a source of income for Navajo carvers, typically made from cottonwood or other woods rather than the single-root Hopi method.

Navajo artist Robert Platero, a noted carver of Native American-inspired figures. While Kachinas (or Katsinas) are traditionally associated with Hopi Pueblo culture—representing spiritual beings that bring rain, fertility, and balance—Navajo artisans like Platero have adapted and popularized their own versions, often incorporating elements like cottonwood carving, feathers, leather, and vibrant paints. These dolls serve as both artistic expressions and educational tools, teaching about cultural stories and values.