Kutkh, the Mama Raven Spirit Doll by Kim Elkins-Original Mixed Media Folk Art
10" H x 4.5" W x 11" D
Kutkh, the Mama Raven Spirit Doll is a creation by Kim Elkins, who is globally known for her unique dolls. No doll is the same; each one is infused with a life of its own, and each one has chosen its owner before it is bought. Kim has the unique talent of transforming "found" objects into her works of art... an old piece of Pendleton wool...homespun yarn from a neighbor's sheep...beautiful old buttons...and so much more. Kim traded for ancient beads from 1200BC. Many of her dolls are embellished with these beautiful and rare beads. Her work has been featured in many quality galleries in the US and collected by people around the world. Look carefully; maybe this doll has preselected you!
Kutkh is a deity-like figure in folklore in Chukchi and the Pacific Northwest. She carries her raven baby high up on her back so he can look ahead and behind in a wood-framed cradleboard. A cradleboard is a rigid wooden frame with a padded interior, designed to hold the baby against the backboard while the parent carries them. In the Pacific Northwest, cradleboards were often made from wood and hide, and could be decorated with cultural symbols, amulets, or ornaments. Kutkh is embellished with a bead necklace, a shawl pulled over her head with the cradleboard on top, feathers, fur, and antique fabrics. She stands on a wooden round base.
Handcrafted in Washington
