This stylized figure of a warrior dancing during a ceremony shows detailed etching on his shield and clothing. The ceremonial war dance was performed prior to going into battle. It was performed to invoke the spirit which would bring the warrior strength, courage and bravery as well as protect him in battle.
The ancient Indian tribes made these figures to honor a favorite horse or to celebrate the birth of a horse. These figures are very time-consuming and hazardous to create. The figure is poured, fired for a period of time after which it is removed from the kiln, hair from the mane and the tail of a horse are placed on the figure. The hair creates the dark lines and the smoke from the burning hair creates the darker grey areas. The figure is then returned to the kiln where it finishes firing. When the firing is complete, the figure is removed from the kiln, spray-glazed and etched.
Each piece comes with a certificate of authenticity. This certifies that the figure has been handcrafted by a Native American Indian artist and identified by a tribal census number. This horsehair figure is created by New Mexico resident and Master Navajo Artist Tom Vail and his family.
Photos are examples ONLY. Each piece is hand finished and etching WILL BE DIFFERENT than what is shown.
