Ethnographic Doll Appraisal

Navajo Traditional Cloth Doll with Red Skirt and Blue Velvet Blouse

This is a Navajo cloth doll, approximately 12-15 inches in height, posed in a standing or semi-standing position, prominently displaying its traditional attire. The doll features a fabric head and body, with a skin tone that appears to be made from a light brown or tan fabric. The facial features, including eyes, nose, and mouth, are a minimalist embroidered design in black and red, giving the doll a serene yet defined expression. Her hair is black, styled in a traditional updo, possibly made of yarn or braided fabric, with a neat bun or coil visible at the back/top of her head. She wears small, light blue stud earrings. The doll's attire is striking and detailed. The upper garment is a rich, royal blue velvet blouse or jacket, featuring long sleeves and closure details in the front, possibly buttons or snaps. Around her neck, she wears a necklace made of small, light blue beads, with a red charm or pendant hanging from it. In her left hand, she holds a small, light-colored drum, adorned with what appears to be a light blue and orange design. The lower garment is a voluminous, pleated skirt made of a vibrant red fabric, likely cotton or a cotton blend. The skirt is floor-length and features two distinct ruffles towards the hem, each separated by a narrow black trim. The pleats are well-defined, giving the skirt a full and flowing appearance, indicative of a white petticoat underneath, as mentioned in the additional context. The overall condition is described as 'like new' and 'never used,' which is consistent with the visual evidence of clean fabric, crisp pleats, and no visible wear, tears, stains, or fading. The craftsmanship appears to be of good quality, with neat stitching and attention to detail in the clothing and accessories. This doll likely represents a contemporary traditional Native American craft, possibly from the late 20th to early 21st century, given its clean lines and vibrant colors.