Bess Yanez "Zuni Rain Priest" Miniature Kachina Doll Artisan Miniature

Description

This listing is for a marvelous Hopi miniature kachina doll by Bess Yanez.
This doll is a "Zuni Rain Priest."
This Hopi carving is from cottonwood root and painted with acrylic paints.
My research indicates tha
t
this Rain Priest kachina is said to have power over the rain, but his main purpose is to accompany the Shalako during the Rain Dance. This katchina is titled “Rain Preist,” This kachina is also known as “Long Horn Priest of the North  (Saiyatasha).” Saiyatasha is an important katchina whose only appearance is in the Shalako Ceremony. It is he who controls the weather, provides longevity to the people and protection from their enemies.
This kachina doll was purchased from the estate of Shirlee Greenberg of
New York City
, International Guild of Miniature Artisans (IGMA) Fellow in needlework who passed away in 2019. Shirlee's collection, likely bought directly from the artist, was primarily obtained in the 1980s.
The doll is signed and titled on the bottom, "
B. Yanez,
Zuni Rain Priest."
For those who like to know about the item and the artist (From various sources):
Bess Yanez has been carving Kachinas since the early 80's. She grew up watching her mother (who was taught by Bess’ grandfather) make kachinas. Traditionally, only Hopi men could make kachina dolls, but times have changed. Bess thought it was only natural that she follow in those footsteps. While most kachina dolls are taller, Bess likes to do the smaller ones. She started out using the scraps of wood from her mother's larger dolls and determined that this was her niche. Bess has done over 300 different kinds of kachinas. Bess has been written about in several publications. In her article, From Mesas to Miniatures: Kachinas Tell Hopi Stories, author Barbara J. Aardema writes, "For centuries, Hopi Indians have believed that spirits called kachinas inhabit the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff, Arizona. The spirits, numbering about 300, all have particular functions within tribal life. The Hopi hold that kachinas come down to villages on three
Arizona
mesas at specific times during the year, usually between the winter solstice and mid-July. When this happens, Hopi men clad in colorful costumes, masks or headdresses, represent the spirits in dance." Yanez captures these costumes on a 1:12 scale, even noting the various nuances found between the three mesas, who each may dress the same kachina in slightly different colors or masks. She uses bits of leather, fur and feathers to fashion their costumes, and paints them with tempera paints using brushes with only one or two hairs. Bess's dolls are a wonderful addition to any art collection.
Approximate Dimensions:
1
9/16
" H x ⅞" W x ¾" D
This item:
Is a handcrafted pre-owned piece. It has only been lovingly displayed, and
is in excellent condition
.
Is a 1:12 (1 inch) scale miniature, unless otherwise stated in description.
Is not a toy. It is an adult collectible miniature, and is not meant for children under the age of 14.
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