Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number CAS 0370-0503M   CAS 0370-0503M; Figurine (man)
Category Carvings
Object Name Figurine (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; Dyed chicken feathers
Description Hand-carved 3-dimensional standing figure of Navajo man impersonating male yeibichai dancer (part of complete 16-piece Navajo ceremony); Figure's body is painted white and he wears blue head mask with pair of eagle plumes and green collar ruff, turquoise necklace, bracelets, rings, and concho belt, tan kilt with fox skin at back, dark blue leggings with red garters, and brown moccasins, and he carries red and green feathers in left hand and green feathers and gourd rattle in right hand; All details of figure are carved and painted except for feathers held in hands and tips of eagle plumes on head mask which are actual chicken feathers; Signature "Clitso" is printed in pencil on soles of both feet.
Dimensions (cm) Height = 28.8, Width = 9.1, Depth = 6.3