Navajo Native American, Folk Art

Description

Rena Juan small chicken carving bought in the 1990's
Size 6" h x 4.5" l x 2.5" w
Large chicken, carver unknown but was bought on the Navajo reservation bought in the 1990's
Size 18" h x 7" base
Rena Tahy - Wood Carver:
Nominee of a Utah Governor's Folk Artist Award, Rena Juan has multiple talents up her sleeve that she produces when the need arises- like rug weaving and clay pottery- but wood carving is what she loves doing most, and it shows in her pieces. Rena takes an old dead piece of cottonwood, pine, or basswood, rough cuts it with a chainsaw, then begins carving new life into it. When she is finished, her carved and painted figures represent the Navajo lifestyle both in form and in spirit, creating an aura of realism, warmth, and personality.