Navajo Male and Female Dolls Pair

ca. 1930 - 1940

(A) Male 1.25" H x 8" L x 3" W (B) Female 1.5" H x 7" H x 2.75" W

Hand Crafted with Velvet, Fabric, Hair, Steel and Glass Seed Beads

In Very Good Condition for Age

Navajo dolls, often handmade by Diné (Navajo) artists, are cultural artifacts that represent traditional male and female figures in authentic attire. These dolls serve both as toys for children and collectible items that educate about Navajo heritage, daily life, and craftsmanship. Unlike the more spiritually focused Hopi kachina dolls (which some Navajo artists also create), traditional Navajo dolls emphasize everyday roles, clothing, and adornments, sometimes depicting activities like weaving or herding. They are typically constructed from simple, accessible materials like cloth, yarn, or leather, reflecting resourcefulness in Navajo communities.

Provenance:  From the Len and Toni Wood Private Collection, Laguna Beach, California