Yei bi chai. This Katsina is intended as a replica of the Navajo Talking God, the leader of the Yeibichai dancers who wear masks of the Yei and appear on the ninth and last night of the Navajo's Nightway healing ceremony. The Hopi stage a Navajo Katsina Dance on First and Third Mesas, led by this Katsina. The corn plant signifies life and a prayer for a rich harvest.
These wonderful soft-sculptures are created by Beverly Henderson. This Navajo woman handsews the dolls and stuffs them, then she paints various designs on the black dolls, finishes them by tying small branches to their sides and completing their faces with a simple bead.
Each one is unique in design and painted colors. All are handcrafted here in the southwestern United States by Beverly. Each doll is signed on the back.