Alfred "Bo" Lomahquahu

Father Sun
Best of Class / First Place
Gallup Ceremonial 2007

60.50 cm Hoch

Fr. 23 470.- mit Haube

 

 

According to Barton Wright, "the Sun Kachina [Dawa] is a representation of the spirit of the Sun, though on occasion be called the Sun Shield Kachina. He appears in a role very similar to that of the Nakiachop or Talavai, standing to the side with a spruce tree in his left hand and a bell in his right.

Also, he may appear in a Mixed Dance with the flute in his left hand that is associated with him in many myths. He is not often personated."

- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi Artist's Documentary (124)

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This dance is not as common as it might have been at one time, and according to Barton Wright's Kachinas: a Hopi Artist's Documentary, you might have the satisfaction of occassionally seeing a performance "in one of the night ceremonies in March or during the Powamu."

"Usually the personator imitates the step or motion and cry of the eagle to absolute perfection. There is evidence that this kachina was imported into Zuni from the Hopi and is danced there in much the same manner that it is at Hopi.

This may be why the Eagle may appear during Pamuya on First Mesa with Zuni Kachinas."

- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi Artist Documentary (87)

"Koyemsi or Mud-head Kachinas are probably the most well known of all the Hopi kachinas. They appear in almost every Hopi ceremony as clowns, interocutors, announcers of dances, drummers, and many other roles.

"The nearly always accompany other kachinas; probably the only time when they do not appear with other personages is during the Night Dances.

"Koyemsi are usually the ones that play games with the audiences to the accompaniment of rollicking tunes. These games are generally guessing games, or simple attempts to balance objects or performances of some common act. They most closely resemble our parlor games and the rewards are prizes of food or clothing."

 

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