I purchased a Kachina (from a reputable and licensed Indian Trader of Kachinas and Artifacts) and the bottom of the wood block base has the artists name, and a number. I was told this number is like a Social Security number and the dealer called it something else.. like a tribal number???
I searched everywhere I can think of on the net, and now I ask for other tips for websites that can tell me where i would find this info.
Unfortunately, the artist only put his/her last name, Begay, and that is a very common name. The “tribal number” (or whatever that number is called) is 403211
By the way, in case you are curious, it is the Bear and it has leather and fur over the carved wood figure. Quite beautiful.
Thanks for any help.
First answerer- actually you helped a little. I googled around and found that I probably have a Navajo Kachina, or katsina, doll. The furr and other features are not similar to the Hopi way of making their dolls. Thanks for the extra boost.