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Signed L. Valentine “Long Hair” Katsina / Kachina – Hand-Carved Native American Style Figure – Nicholas Mitropoulos Estate
A very appealing approximately 7-inch-tall hand-carved and painted Long Hair Katsina/Kachina figure, signed on the underside “LONG HAIR – L. VALENTINE.”
This piece came directly from the Nicholas Mitropoulos estate collection in Edgecomb, Maine, a substantial private collection that included Native American, ethnographic, folk and international decorative art. Several unusual hand-carved pieces were acquired together from the estate.
The figure displays considerable handwork for its relatively small size, with individually carved hair, facial and costume details, painted turquoise, red, yellow, black and white accents, and a decorated circular pedestal base. The lightweight carving appears consistent with the type of soft wood, often cottonwood root, traditionally used for katsina carvings, although I have not independently verified the wood species.
The underside is clearly hand-marked “LONG HAIR” and “L. VALENTINE.” Based on research, the signature may correspond to carver Larry Valentine, but I have not independently authenticated the artist or confirmed tribal affiliation, so it is being offered strictly as a signed L. Valentine carving rather than making a definitive attribution.
Height: approximately 7 inches overall
Subject: Long Hair Katsina/Kachina
Signature: “L. Valentine”
Material: lightweight carved wood; exact species unverified
Construction: hand carved and hand painted
Provenance: Nicholas Mitropoulos estate collection, Edgecomb, Maine
Condition: Displays very well overall with expected age-related surface wear. One hand is missing, as clearly shown in the photographs. I see no indication that the missing hand has been replaced or restored. Please examine all photographs closely as they are part of the condition description.
Despite the hand loss, this remains a particularly attractive signed example with excellent color, character and fine carved detailing.
An appealing piece for a collector of Katsina/Kachina carvings, Southwestern Native American art, signed folk art, ethnographic material or estate-found carvings.
