R. Grey Signed Buffalo Kachina Doll Pair — White & Black Buffalo, Matched Set

A matched pair of Buffalo Kachina dolls attributed to R. Grey, consistent with the Navajo commercial carving tradition of the late 20th century, likely 1970s–1990s. Each is hand-carved from cottonwood root or soft wood, hand-painted with mineral or acrylic pigments, and dressed in fur, leather, and feather accents. The White Buffalo wears a dense white fur mask — consistent with rabbit or goat — over curved black carved horns, a turquoise-painted body, and a red leather sash; the mask lifts free to reveal a carved female figure beneath, painted with long black hair and matching turquoise garments. The Black Buffalo stands fully exposed: a white-painted cylindrical face with dark brow and beard markings, a dense black fur headdress with swept horns, hide kilt with red brushwork, polka-dotted black leggings, and red moccasins. Both figures hold feather bundles and stand on natural wood-slice bases.

The black figure is signed in marker on its base "Buffalo / R. Grey"; the white figure's base bears a partially legible inscription — reading possibly "Spol? / R. Grey". The removable mask on the white figure is a positive maker's detail found in both commercial and collector-grade production. Buffalo Kachinas (Mosayru) represent the Buffalo Spirit associated with strength and the hunt in Hopi ceremonial tradition; the pairing of white and black figures is a recognized complementary motif and is visually uncommon at this scale.

CONDITION

Good overall. The Black Buffalo Kachina shows a chip to one horn with touch-up applied; both horns have been cracked and repaired. Fur, feather, and leather elements remain intact on both figures with light handling wear. Paint is bright and stable.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• White Buffalo (without mask): 6 1/2" H × 3" W × 2 1/2" D
• White Buffalo (with mask): 7 1/2" H × 4" W × 2 1/2" D
• Black Buffalo: 8" H × 4" W × 2 1/2" D
• Materials: Hand-carved wood, hand-painted, fur, feathers, leather
• Black figure signed: "Buffalo / R. Grey"
• White figure base: partially legible — "Spol? / R. Grey" /li>
• Campbell's Soup Can (4" H) Shown for Scale — Not Included