This is an excellent early original hand carved Zuni Native American Indian Kachina doll from circa early 1900 to late 1800’s. The exquisite piece shows the original polychrome pigment painted design and is carved from Cottonwood. The Kachina shows rectangular geometric eyes and is adorned in its presentation geometric painted dance outfit with impressive multi-tiered crown. The piece shows a round cylindrical nose and squared off base with an extremely rare “Sio Hemis” configuration. The Hemis and Sio Hemis Katsinas (Kachina) are considered some of the most beautiful and best known of all the early Zuni and Hopi Kachinas. Their elaborate headdress, called a Tableta, is partly responsible for their attraction. Other attributions that can be found in original early authentic examples are the wearing kilt with embroidered rain sash around the waist and dropping down one side of the hip along with the bundled chaff or evergreen ruff worn around the neck. The “Sio Hemis Ta-amu” comes from the Zuni and originated in the circa 17th Century. Provenance: From the renowned Sundog Fine Art Bozeman, Montana collection and collected by Bruce VanLandingham. Bruce VanLandingham was a pillar in the American Indian collecting community and a respected expert. Along with being an avid collector Bruce also was the sole owner of Sundog Fine Art Gallery in Bozeman which was both part museum and gallery. Overall this is a wonderful piece showing some paint loss and signs of wear, indicative of its early authentic age. Measures 6.5" wide and is 10.25" tall. Other examples have sold at auction in excess of $10,000 with this piece showing more detail and overall appeal. For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer’s responsibility to view each image and preview the item to determine condition.