Post from Miko Kami Spirit Dolls by Bahira

About Miko Kami Spirit Dolls by Bahira

I have always loved patterns, textures and colors...I dream in them often. As an artist I have a driving need to create and find hand work very satisfying. I was the choreographer and costume designer for a small local dance troupe and have found the transition from lifesized to miniature extremely gratifying. I intended to make my first Doll an African ethnic figurine, but it emerged looking more Japanese than African and I felt that the spirit of the Doll had found its way out through me. My second doll was also Asian in nature and I began researching Shinto spirituality beliefs eventually coming up with the concept of Miko Kami. Since then, I have let the beauty of the fabrics guide me in the making of these Miko Kami Dolls much in the way a Kachina doll maker captures the spirit of the Kachina. I have made Dolls from many ethnic, historic and fantasy realms, and as I create them I feel good thoughts and wishes flow into them through me. Once they are finished, a little research on the Internet helps me give them a name and create their unique personas and imagined story. I have found great joy in creating Miko Kami Dolls and am delighted to pass these figures on to those like myself who can feel their spirits and enjoy their individual beauty. No two are ever alike. I make my Miko Kami Dolls with great serenity and natural tranquility and have been told that on occasion, a Doll will spiritually reach out, “speak” and bond with her intended owner. Each figure is numbered, cataloged, signed on the bottom and sold as a one-of-a-kind affordable art piece. I have known FabMo since its inception over 10 years ago in Palo Alto, CA when Hannah Cranch opened her house monthly for the first redistribution of these repurposed materials. Since then, I have let the variety and beauty of these “rescued and repurposed” fabric samples, trims and tassels inspire me to make these Female Spirit Dolls.