Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number CAS 0370-0503B   CAS 0370-0503B; Figurine (medicine man)
Category Carvings
Object Name Figurine (medicine man)
Culture Navajo
Global Region North America
Country USA
State/Prov./Dist. Arizona
County Apache
Other Geographic Data Community: Chinle area
Maker's Name Clitso Dedman (ca. 1875-1953)
Date of Manufacture ca. 1935-1945
Collection Name Elkus Collection (Native American)
Materials Wood; Commercial paint; Pipe cleaners
Description Hand-carved 3-dimensional standing figure of Navajo medicine man (part of complete 16 piece ceremony); Figure wears red headband; Orange shirt, white pants, brown moccasins and leggings with red pipe cleaners at top of leggings (representing garters?), brown shoulder blanket with gray, black, and red stripes, and turquoise earrings, necklace, bracelets, and rings; He carries small red leather pouch in right hand; All details of figure are carved and painted; Traces of signature "Clitso" printed in pencil are visible on soles of both feet.
Dimensions (cm) Height = 25.8, Width = 9.8, Depth = 7.9