Hopi Pueblo Kachina Doll By Melvin Miles

Late 20th Century

8.625" H

Hand Carved from Cottonwood Root with very Fine Details with Wonderful Hands which is always the Hallmark of the Master Carvers Signed Melvin Miles on front of base and on the bottom Red Streak Tobocco Clan - Awotavi 94 Red Bearded Long Hair Kachina "Ang-ak - china"

Excellent Condition

Melvin Miles (1952–present) Born in 1952, Melvin is part of a prominent family of Kachina doll carvers that includes his brothers Arnold, Garry, and Kevin Miles, as well as other relatives. He began carving in the early 1970s and is known for working in the classic “Old Style” or traditional Hopi style (simple lines, minimal added decoration, action poses, and natural wood finish with subtle staining). His dolls are typically one-piece cottonwood root carvings with movable arms, hand-painted with mineral pigments and natural dyes in the traditional manner. Melvin often signs his pieces on the base: “Melvin Miles – Hopi” or sometimes includes the Kachina name and a corn symbol or other small mark.

Katsina Red Bearded Long-Haired (Tasap Angak'china)

The Long Hair Kachina is a singer who brings the rain and flowers. His beard and feathers symbolize rain and clouds. Dancing to bring rains for the crops, the Red Bearded Long Hair also delivers presents in mid-summer.