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Overview
A carved wooden dancer figure in the kachina style, showing two Mudhead dancers: a smaller figure riding on the shoulders of a larger one. Both have the round, knobbed heads with projecting eyes and mouths that mark the Mudhead clown figure. The larger dancer has a fur beard and fur trim at the wrists, waist and ankles, a turquoise suede kilt, a red belt set with white shell beads, a blue-and-white bead necklace, and a painted rattle in one hand. The rider wears a leather cape and a purple sash over a white-and-tan painted body, with feathers at the hands. The arms reach out to both sides in a lively dancing pose, and the piece suits a bookshelf, mantel or display cabinet.
Background
Mudhead dancers are a familiar subject in Southwestern carved dancer figures, and this two-figure piggyback design is less common than a single figure. The piece is carved and assembled from separate wooden parts, with fur, leather, suede, beads, small shells and feathers attached; the feathers appear to be turkey or chicken-type craft feathers. The underside of the base has a partly legible pencil inscription. The maker, age and place of origin have not been identified, and the figure is not represented as Native American-made or as the work of any particular tribe.
Condition
Pre-owned condition. The round wooden base has a crack running in from the edge across the underside, shown in the photos. There is light wear and some flaking paint on the rider's body and hands, small marks on the painted wood, and some loose or ruffled fur and feathers. Please see all photos.
Dimensions & Weight
The figure is 15 x 9 x 3.7 inches (H x W x D) and weighs 9.4 oz.
Shipping
Free standard shipping within the US, packed securely.
