Dig It - 12/15/22
Hello fellow Seekers, today we are going to examine an Apache Doll. She is 14” tall, and dates to the late 19th century.
I am having a difficult time identifying which particular Apache subgroup she comes from. My guess is she is Mescalero or maybe Chiricahua Apache as her costume and choice of bead colors are a little more subdued than some of the more Western Apache groups, but that is just a guess. The doll is dressed in an “A Na Ih Es" ceremonial costume. This is the Puberty or Coming of Age Ceremony, also known as the Sunrise Dance, and is one of the most important ceremonies in Apache culture. The ceremony is preformed to ensure that as the girl becomes an adult she has longevity, a good disposition, physical strength, and prosperity, in other words all things considered “Good". The ceremony brings the Apache community together, renewing social and kinship ties. The newly recognized “Woman” is considered to be supernaturally charged for four days after the ceremony during which she is believed to be capable of bringing “Good” to the community, healing and bringing rain.
These dolls were made for the early Tourist trade and are closely associated with railroads and souvenir shops such as the Fred Harvey Company. It is amazing how much detail and pride the doll makers put into their craft. This wonderful doll can be yours, Seeker. Now all aboard for the next exciting adventure with the Lonesome Prospector Tooooot tooooot!