INV # J246800123 Rare Piece of Hopi Ceramic Art By L TALLAS
This truly one-of-a-kind and very rare sacred corn sculpture was designed and created by L. Tallas, Hopi, in 1947 of second Mesa. It is signed on the base by Mr. Tallas, in black marker, which has faded a little over the years. Mr. Tallas was very well known as an artist in Arizona in the early 1940's and perhaps taught at Wasatch Academy in Utah during that time period. The former information is from the Hopi web page concerning Mr. Tallas's tenure as posed as a query by a former student seeking information on any art sculpture of his. This sculpture is splendidly crafted and appears to be a fired piece, perhaps made of clay, then painted to look like a bronze with added realistic detail. SIZE: 12 3/4 " X 5 1/2 "
INV. # J24680014 Semi-Figure Hopi Carving by CLAUDE E. PAHONA, Second Mesa
This Katsina was purchased from Claude in 1992. The Longhair or Angak'tsina, is perhaps known as the most friendly of the Hopi Katsinam. It is carved from the cottonwood root and is what is referred to as a semi-figure, having a carved head and smooth body. The Longhair is truly Hopi as indicated by the hair style worn by Hopi men after their initiation into the priesthood society. Carved Eagle fluffs are evident on this Katsina's hair and beard which represent a cloud burst or rain. Often these Katsina's are accompanied by yellow or white corn maidens and their songs carry positive messages for life fulfillment for all life forms. Claude has signed his name with a spider image. SIZE: 7.5" H X 1.5 " W
The Eagle plays an important role in Indian life, especially the use of his feathers. When a Kawahu dance is performed the dancers usually include the two North American Eagles; Golden Eagle and the Bald Eagle, as well as the Red Tailed Hawk and the Gray Hawk. Their dance is very stately and reverent and appears in March on first Mesa, when the Katsinam returns to the Mesa from Mount Humphrey to celebrate the prospect of a bountiful harvest. The Eagle dance is occasionally performed at Night ceremonies also. The Eagle, Kwahu, imitates the step or motion and cry of the predatory Eagles to absolute perfection. When you are privileged enough to witness this dance as my family was, as invited guests, you can feel the "goose flesh" crawl over your skin and a tingle that travels up your spine as you watch in amazement. They sound and look so real. This wonderful Kawahu Eagle Carving was done by Darrell A. Yovella who's family is from First Mesa. Darrell lived in Chinle, Arizona during the early 1990's, as we did, where we purchased this carving from him. It is made from one piece of cottonwood root with the exception of some of the tiny wood feathers. The colors are made from natural herbs, roots, and grasses, which have provided the wonderful muted natural looking tones on this extraordinary piece! Size 14" High x 4" Wide
Inv. # J24680018 Hopi Cradle Mana Katsina Hahay'iwuuti by Edgar Twesva 1998 SOLD
A Katsina mother, Hahay'iwuuti responds to different ceremonial functions during events such as Hopi Salako, Powamuya and Angk'wa as either a leader or a guide. She is very energetic, sprightly and talkative. These Katsinas are given to the new mother to put into a baby's cradle and to use for teaching.
(For more information about the katsinam, read Following the Sun and Moon by Alph H. Secakuku.)
Katsina are supernatural beings to the Hopis, they are manifested as messengers from the spiritual world. Some Katsinas only bring messages, such as working together, behavior of individuals and children and the consequence of behavior. Katsinas are friends and visitors to the Hopi people, they bring gifts and food. Upon returning to their homes they are prayed to for prosperous life, bountiful harvest, rain and good health. They are believed to be supernatural beings in spirits of good people who have once lived a good life and have returned in various Katsina manifestations.
Katsina's represent many different forms and beings, from animals to clouds and are believed to have come in some form of hierarchy, like a kingdom. There are chief Katsinas, Eototo and Ahola, He-e-e is the female leader to the Warrior Maiden Katsina, in these warrior Katsinas there are also colonels that lead them, Ewizro is one of them. Ewizro only appear in Katsina day dances, a ritual to clowns, along with other warrior Katsinas.
This wonderful carving is in Excellent condition. It is 7" high x 3 1/4" wide x 3/4" deep
Inv. # J24680027 Hope Sun face Katsina, Tawa
This Katsina was purchased by us from Marty Ovah, a Hopi of 1st Mesa when we lived on the Navajo Reservation in Chinle, Arizona.
The Sun Kachina also known as Tawa, represents the spirit of the Sun. In some ceremonies and on different Mesa's he may be referred to as the Sun Shield Kachina. The Sun face Katsina appears in a role very similar to that of Nakiachop or Talavai, standing to the side with a spruce tree in his left hand and a bell in his right. He also can appear in a Mixed Dance with the flute in his left hand associated with him in many myths.
This Katsina stands 8 1/2 inches tall x 2 inches wide including the stand which is one piece, hand carved with a pocket knife as is traditional and painted with natural dye in muted desert shades. Awesome!
Condition: Gently Used. Several top headdress feathers having missing end tips. This was like this when we purchased it and could have been made that way. Never-the-less, from the back you can see the missing ends, from the front it is barely visible you can see it but you have to look close. It is signed on the bottom.
