Vintage NAVAJO KACHINA/Katsina, Prayer Eagle by Julie Loley, Census Numbered and Signed

This superb Prayer Eagle kachina (or katsina) was carved by Navajo/Dineh artist Julie Loley. It stands 13 1/2 inches tall to the tops of his hands, mounted on a round wood base 5 3/4 inches in diameter. The kneeling kachina wears an eagle mask atop his painted face, with white rabbit fur beneath his chin and around his neck that cascades down his front and back and forms chaps on his lower legs. His carved, painted arms that each hold a white feather are raised to the heavens.

His bare, painted midriff is encircled by a fringed turquoise belt with a piece of turquoise stone in the center. His fringed brown suede apron sports a hand painted Navajo design in yellow, red and turquoise. Decorating the back of the apron are three "eagle" feathers tipped with turquoise fur. The bottom of the 1/2 inch thick wooden base is signed in black script: " Prayer Eagle Julie L. 402706 {her census number} TT." In excellent condition, this large kachina weighs 1 pound, 2 ounces.

This is such a colorful kachina with so much detail that it stands out in any collection and is a handsome piece of Navajo art on its own.

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PYH 5539