Zaidan Gallery
 Kachina Dolls; Wilford Begay |
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| Eagle Dancer (Wt. 1,25 pounds solid silver and turquoise, H 11", W 8") | Eagle Dancer (Wt. 1,25 pounds solid silver and turquoise) | ||
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Although Wilford can do most anything another silversmith can do, he prefers working on Kachina dolls, which are his specialty. "I was told by my medicine man I'm not supposed to be doing the Navajo kachinas-the Yei bi Chei," Wilford explains. "Anything to do with the Navajo I don't do. Hopis I can do." More... Begay was the first Native American artisan to make solid sterling silver kachina dolls. |
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Prices realized by Begay's art: wilfordstradingpost.com Pizzazz Jewelry and Gift Galleria nativeindianmade.com Ann Lamar indianvillagemall.com |
US$2,600 US$2,598 US$2,238 US$2,750 US$2,295 US$2,598 |
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Kachina is a derivative of the German language derivative of the Hopi/Tewa word which is more closely "khat-sinna" Katsina dolls, or kachina dolls as many people know them, are representations of the Katsina spirits. The carved figures are given as ceremonial gifts to young girls by the Katsinam. Each gift represents a prayer wish for good health, growth and fertility. The figures are carved from cottonwood roots with knife and rasp. Carvers fashion simpler dolls from several pieces fit together with tiny wooden pegs. Each doll is painted and decorated to accurately depict important features of a specific Katsina. |
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Wilford Begay - Silversmith: Wilford Begay is from the high desert area of Teec Nos Pos, Arizona. Born to the Red House Clan and for the Coyote Pass Clan, Wilford's heritage is strong in silversmithing. His great-great-grandfather, whom he knew well, was an accomplished silversmith, as is his father. Additionally, Wilford spent two years in post high school classes in Tsaile, Arizona, at Navajo Community College; and Shiprock, New Mexico, earning a Silversmithing Certificate. Over the past five years he has won three first place awards in the Gallup Intertribal Indian Ceremonials with his distinctive and beautifully done Early Morning Kachina renditions.