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Since 1990, Dan has carved only the Hopi Katsinas and Kachina Dolls.  In 1997, he introduced the sculptured Dine' Maiden Dolls due only to  questions by two Dine' brothers, Alex & Alan Jenson who asked "Why don't you carve Navajo Dolls?"  Dan believes they only asked this question due to his Dine' heritage and possibly to apply his carvings skills to it.  1997 marked a year of change and challenge for him  both artistically & spiritually.

The Dine' Maiden dolls he creates recognise and celebrate the Dine' Women (his Grandmother, Mothers, Sisters and all) for their role in the Dine' Creation Story. The beauty of the dolls are as I see them through my eyes, who the Dine' Women  are, wrapped in their blankets, their hair traditionally wrapped to show their patience, teachings, strength and wisdom. It is only through women, do the five-fingered beings walk in beauty on our Mother Earth.

"The Dine' Maidens are a reflection on how I was raised by my Grandmother.  All the markings, on the Dine' Maiden Dolls are tied into the Creation Story of the Dine' (The People).  Many  of  our prayers and chants speak of beauty behind us, beauty above us, beauty below us, beauty all around us, in beauty we walk and in beauty it is finished."

"From behind the mask are the darkened eyes of a different world.  A passage from what has passed and also to come for the Dine'.  The snout  gives us our breath as we go about our daily affairs.  In the tips of our fingers we can see the trail of the Life-giving Wind (Nitch'ii).  These markings were made when  Nitch'ii gave life to our most ancient ancestors out of two ears of corn, it is said."

DAN "BERT" YAZZIE

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