Manuel Curtis

Artist Profile

Manuel Curtis was born in 1976 into the Navajo Nation. He was inspired to learn the process of hand making Navajo kachina dolls by his friend Ronnie Foster. Manuel had always been creative and in 1993 he began exhibiting his talent by making kachina dolls. He began by assisting Ronnie in the construction of his Hopi kachina sculptures. He took the knowledge he acquired from him and came up with his own style of sculptures.

Manuel specializes in hand makinig the large Navajo kachina dolls. He accents his dolls with leather, feathers and bells and uses acrylic paints to make his fine art. His favorite one to make is the koshare clown. Manuel signs his kachina dolls: By Manuel Curtis, followed by the name of the kachina.

Manuel is related to Bernice Todicheenie (mother), who creates sandpaintings.