Navajo Mudhead Kachina Wall Hanging Doll By Dan Bert

ca. 1996

9.125" H

Hand Carved from Cottonwood Root and Hand Painted with Natural Pigments

Excellent Condition

Dan Bert is a Navajo artisan recognized for his intricate Hopi-inspired Kachina carvings, blending Navajo craftsmanship with traditional Hopi motifs. While primarily Navajo, his work draws heavily from Hopi Kachina traditions, often incorporating elements like cottonwood root, feathers, leather, beads, and turquoise. His pieces are collectible and emphasize cultural storytelling.

"Koyemsi or Mud-head Kachinas are probably the most well known of all the Hopi kachinas. They appear in almost every Hopi ceremony as clowns, interocutors, announcers of dances, drummers, and many other roles.

"The nearly always accompany other kachinas; probably the only time when they do not appear with other personages is during the Night Dances.

"Koyemsi are usually the ones that play games with the audiences to the accompaniment of rollicking tunes. These games are generally guessing games, or simple attempts to balance objects or performances of some common act. They most closely resemble our parlor games and the rewards are prizes of food or clothing."

- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi Artists Documentary (238)