Muni' Ka's Dance (Ragdoll's Dance)

Bronze Sculpture
15" Height x 6" Width x 8" Depth
Edition of 25

In this sculpture, I wanted to show how much I love to dance the corn dance. There is an enthusiasm and anticipation I feel and I think all of our community shares the week before the feast. I especially enjoy going into the kiva in the evenings to learn the songs and practice the steps in the dances. When the day finally arrives, it is exciting to get up in the morning and start getting ready. There is a great, vibrant energy that lasts throughout the day, which is what I wanted this piece to convey.

This girl is about seven years old, from one of the northern pueblos. It is the morning of the dance and she is so eager to dance, that she runs out the door, forgetting she has her ragdoll in her hand. As she gets closer to the kiva, she begins to skip to the beat of the song in her head and make her doll dance. Running next to her is her puppy, her best buddy. Even he feels the energy. He is jumping up, snapping at the doll, which she joyfully swings in the air.

Sculpturally speaking, creating a girl this young, with feminine yet childlike facial features was tough. In each new piece I create, I strive to challenge myself. It is important to me to push myself harder artistically and to try techniques that are new or more difficult. I worked very hard at giving her as much motion and energy as possible, while still maintaining a very traditional feel and way about her. She embodies my love of our Pueblo songs, dances and traditions.

(Joe Cajero)