Northern Plains Medicine Man Doll By Erla Graham

Mid 20th Century

22.5" H 17.75" L x 24.25" W

Hand Crafted and Carved Wood Figure Adorned with Brushed Hide Leather, Pony Beads, Braided Hair, Glass Seed Beads, Oblong Wood Beads on a Wood Stand Holding Feathers in Each Hand

In Fair to Good Condition

Erla Graham (also referred to as Earla Graham; April 4, 1930 – March 11, 2009) was an American woodcarver and doll maker known for detailed handmade Native American-style dolls. She was born and raised in Nebraska. After her family moved to Washington state, she graduated from high school in the Yakima area in 1948. While working as a full-time wife and mother, she developed her woodcarving skills, combining them with extensive research and a deep respect for Native American cultures. With assistance from her husband, she created one-of-a-kind (or limited) wooden dolls that aimed to capture tribal pride, dignity, and cultural distinctions in clothing, adornments, and details.