Diana LeMarbe 2008 Kachina-Inspired Terracotta Figural Sculpture

This 2008 mixed-media sculpture by Diana LeMarbe is a commanding kachina-inspired figure crafted in hand-formed terracotta and richly adorned with symbolic materials. LeMarbe is known for sculptural forms that draw from Southwestern and ceremonial aesthetics, and this piece reflects those influences through its tall, tapered body decorated with white painted motifs and its expressive figural head. A carved tableta-style wooden crest rises above painted facial markings, while terracotta and turquoise clay beads—individually handmade—add depth and texture. Feathers, bone, leather, and wood components further enhance the figure’s presence.

Rooted in kachina-inspired imagery rather than traditional carving practices, this work captures LeMarbe’s interest in guardianship, ritual form, and earth-based materials. Substantial in scale and rich in detail, it stands as a striking example of her distinctive mixed-media artistry.

Condition

In good condition with light wear consistent with age and natural materials. Minor rubs, small surface marks, and slight handling wear on feathers and painted details are present. No structural issues noted. Refer to photos for full examination.

Dimensions

22" H × 9 1/2" W × 10" D
Weight: 13 lbs 9.9 oz
Please Note: Soup for Scale in Photo

Artist Biography: Diana LeMarbe

Diana LeMarbe is an American ceramic and mixed-media artist known for her expressive sculptural forms that blend hand-built pottery with elements drawn from Southwestern, Indigenous, and ritual-inspired aesthetics. Working primarily in terracotta, LeMarbe creates figurative vessels and sculptural characters distinguished by textured surfaces, intricate painted patterning, and the incorporation of natural materials such as feathers, bone, leather, turquoise clay beads, and carved wood. Her work reflects a deep interest in storytelling and symbolic adornment, often evoking ceremonial regalia, ancestral imagery, and spiritual guardianship.

LeMarbe’s sculptures are typically constructed entirely by hand, including her signature clay beads and tactile embellishments, giving each piece a distinctly personal presence. Active in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, she has developed a recognizable visual language rooted in earth-based materials and vibrant surface detail. Her pieces are sought by collectors who appreciate contemporary Southwestern art, feminine symbolic figuration, and the intersection of pottery traditions with modern sculptural expression.