Mojave Female Child Figurine with Stand [SOLD]

Mojave dolls of adult figures are more prevalent than those of children.  This child doll is only 5 inches tall.  She was formed from clay, wrapped in a fabric skirt and provided with horsehair for hair.  She is not old enough to have tattoos on her face, another indication that this doll represents a child.

There is no documentation before the beginning of the 20th century on doll figurines. In the beginning of the 20th century, Mojave girls were observed playing with pottery dolls but they did not have clothing or beadwork.

After the train arrived in Needles, California, in 1883, Mojave women began selling wood and souvenir ceramics to the tourists who had a 40-minute layover at the train depot.  The now famous Mojave clay dolls began making an appearance at that time. Generally, the dolls are painted in ochre with body and facial tattoos like those worn by the Mojave men and women.  Appropriate tattoos placed on the dolls were gender specific.

The doll has been provided with a stand.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Mojave Female Child Figurine is from a gentleman from Santa Fe

Recommended Reading:  Mojave Pottery, Mojave People: The Dillingham Collection of Mojave Ceramics by Peter T. Furst and Jill L. Furst