Navajo Yei God Double Spirit Soft Sculpture Doll--Bear Guardian

Description

Navajo Yei God Double Spirit Soft Sculpture Doll by Peter Ray James

Yei bi chai. This Katsina is intended as a replica of the Navajo Talking God, the leader of the Yeibichai dancers who wear masks of the Yei and appear on the ninth and last night of the Navajo Nightway healing ceremony. The Hopi stage a Navajo Katsina Dance on First and Third Mesas led by this Katsina.

These wonderful soft sculptures are created by Peter Ray James, a Navajo who handsews the dolls and stuffs them, then paints various designs on the black fabric. These beautiful large double spirit dolls have leather fringe and feathers as well as small animal sculptures sewn to the front. These are spectacular pieces. Each one is unique in design and painted colors. All are handcrafted by Peter. Each doll is signed on the back. This piece is titled "Bear Guardian."