Known for their beautiful textile art, the Kuna of Panama craft nuchukana—wooden anthropomorphic carvings— that heal the sick and ward off malevolent spirits. Nuchus are typically carved out of balsa wood and stand upright with faces that feature a very straight nose and no mouth. Once carved, the doll is brought to a shaman, who imbues the nuchu with a good spirit.
This particular example looks to be made recently, and it features two faces. Fully dressed with traditional clothing (mola, headscarf, imported bead jewelry).
Doll is in very good condition but for a broken foot as pictured. Doll measures about 2" wide, 2" deep, 8" tall.
***
I do my best to accurately represent the color of my images, but due to inconsistencies in monitor adjustments there might be a slight hotsell shift in hue between photos on your computer and the actual item.
Contact me if you have any questions.
Thank you.
4.27.21
Product code: Vintage Folk Two Face Kuna Healing hotsell Doll or Nuchu - San Blas Islands Panama