Vintage Johnson Antonio Navajo Wood Carving Couple 1990 Native American Folk Art
Item Specifics
- Artist:Johnson Antonio
- Tribal Affiliation:Navajo / Diné
- Date of Creation:1990 (Signed and dated on base)
- Material:Cottonwood, polychrome paint (watercolors/house paint)
- Handmade:Yes
- Country/Region of Manufacture:United States (Bisti Region, New Mexico)
- Culture:Native American: US
- Category:Collectibles & Art > Native American: US > 1935-Now > Sculptures
- Man Dimensions:11.5" H x 3.5" W
- Woman Dimensions:12" H x 3.5" W
📝 Item DescriptionTitle:Rare 1990 Signed Johnson Antonio Navajo Poly-Chrome Wood Carvings – Man & Woman PairDescription:
Available for your collection is an exceptional, authentic pair of Native American Navajo folk art wood sculptures by renowned artistJohnson Antonio (b. 1931). Hand-carved in 1990, this matched set features a traditional Navajo man and woman, capturing the quiet dignity and hard-working reality of reservation life.
- The Man (11.5" Tall):Depicted wearing a purple long-sleeve shirt, grey trousers, brown boots, a detailed silver-and-turquoise style belt, and a distinct white traditional headband. He holds ceremonial rattles or tools in both hands.
- The Woman (12" Tall):Wrapped in a traditional deep blue shawl with a matching head cover/scarf, sporting a contrasting coral-pink apron over a white skirt, completed by detailed lace-up boots.
Both pieces are sculpted using Antonio's signature style—rough-hewn cottonwood gathered from New Mexico washes, initially shaped with an axe and finished with a pocketknife. The underside of the man's feet is clearly hand-signed"Johnson Antonio"and dated"-1990-".Condition:
Excellent vintage condition with original paint. Light natural weathering consistent with age and the artist’s raw, textured primitive style. No major cracks, chips, or restorations. Please review all gallery photos carefully for exact details.🌟 Rarity & Value Assessment
- High Institutional Rarity:Johnson Antonio is widely considered one of the pioneering figures of modern Navajo wood folk art. His carvings are held in permanent collections at world-class institutions, including theSmithsonian American Art Museumin Washington D.C., theAmerican Folk Art Museumin New York, and the International Museum of Folk Art in Santa Fe.
- Matched Sets:Finding standalone Antonio pieces is uncommon, but finding a perfectly preserved, color-coordinatedmatched man-and-woman couple from the exact same year (1990)significantly heightens its desirability and premium value among Native American art collectors.
Keep in mind the shipping price also covers handling fees, packaging materials & time, not just postage.
See our store for thousands of our other items.
A44
Related Items:
Vintage Original early 1960's JOHNSON Sea Horse - service stations booklet
$14.99
Vintage Johnson Space Center Houston, Texas Nautical Thermometer
$19.99
Vintage Johnson Antonio Navajo Wood Carving Couple 1990 Native American Folk Art
$950.00
