This doll was made by the Navajo people of the Southwest. Meant to be played with by children, dells are decorated to reflect the traditional dress of the time.
Women, such as the one featured here, usually wear dresses or skirts made of velvet, cotton, or muslin. This doll has a velvet blouse and a cotton skirt with a delicate pattern. Jewelry was sewn directly onto the dress and could be made out of tiny glass beads, silver, turquoise, or shell.
Hair for the dolls is often made of mohair, wool or yarn. The hands are often made of leather. The face is fabric and the facial features are painted on.
