21.5” VINTAGE NAVAJO DOLL BY KAY BENNETT, Circa 1977

Very rare and collectible hand-made doll. This one is from 1977 and is marked and signed on her feet. She is in excellent condition, from a pet-free and smoke-free home. Priced to sell under market value, typically $1,200. Very lovely traditional Navajo (Dine') woman by Navajo artist Kay Bennett. She stands 24" tall. She is beautifully dressed, with a traditional full-length velvet skirt and blouse. A detailed wool spindle in her hand is used when preparing the wool fibers for making rugs. She is adorned with jewelry, including a concho belt, bracelet, Jocla necklace, and earrings. There are 2 petticoats under the dress, and she is wearing Moccasins. The velvet skirt has some very slight fading, but the result is quite pretty, with golds and greens mixed. Still is in very good condition after being loved for over 60 years. The Doll if from the Judy Edmunds collection and is published in the North American Indian Artifacts. pg. 297. She has Kay's handmade hallmark sewn on the dress.

Kay Bennett, the lady known as Kaibah (1922- 1997), was a Navajo author, artist, and doll-maker who was born at Sheepsprings Trading Post, New Mexico, in 1922. She taught at the Phoenix Indian School and traveled through the Middle East, the Far East, and Europe. In 1984 she ran for Tribal Chairman of the Navajos. No other woman had run for such a high office and her candidacy was popular. She lost due to a law, where a candidate must live on the reservation. This rule eventually changed thanks to Kay. She designed Navajo dolls and dresses, illustrated her books, and also recorded Navajo songs. Kay Bennett was a remarkable woman and is remembered today as a model for young women along with Navajo leaders like Annie Wauneka.