Joann Cayaditto Signed Navajo Eagle Kachina (Kwahu) — Spread-Wing Figure

A dramatic Eagle Kachina (Kwahu) figure carved from cottonwood root, signed by Joann Cayaditto on the underside of the base. The figure is built for visual impact: a full spread-wing array of white and brown-tipped flight feathers extends roughly fifteen inches across, anchored by a thick white fur ruff — consistent with rabbit — at the shoulders. The carved mask is painted in standard Eagle iconography — turquoise ground, black triangular eye motif, yellow beak, and red mouth accents — topped by a black painted feather headdress and a tuft of dark hair.

Below the ruff, a tan suede skirt is cut in tiered fringe and hand-painted with a stepped geometric motif in turquoise, gold, and white. Leather thong ties strung with bone-style beads hang along the sides, and the figure is mounted on a natural cottonwood log cross-section base. The Eagle (Kwahu) is among the most recognized Katsina forms, associated with strength, sky, and elevation. This is a Navajo-made figure — a well-established and legitimate tradition in the commercial market, distinct from Hopi village carving, and a distinction collectors will want to note.

CONDITION

Good overall. Feathers show light age and minor curl at the tips consistent with display wear; fur ruff is full and clean. Paint on the mask and skirt is bright and intact. Base is sound with the artist signature legible on the underside.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Overall: 15" H × 15" W × 5" D
• Materials: cottonwood root, feathers, fur, suede leather, beads, painted wood
• Signed: "Joann Cayaditto, Eagle" (burned into underside of base)
• Tribal Attribution: Navajo
• Period: late 20th century
• Campbell's Soup Can (4" H) Shown for Scale — Not Included