"A'hote may appear in
any of the directional colors but the two most common colors
are the yellow A'hote (Sikyahote) or the blue (Sakwahote).
"In a Plaza Dance it
is not unusual to see a line of Sakwahote with several Sikyahote,
and a white or red form as well. All indications in his costume
point to inspiration from a Plains-type warrior, particularly
the feather headdress.
"A'hote may appear in
the Mixed Kachina Dances, or the Palolokong Dances and the Plaza
Dance. In his left hand he very frequently carries roast or boiled
corn that is given out to the audience during his performance."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi Artist's
Documentary (170)
This outstanding Yellow Ahote
was carved by one of the finest Hopi carvers of all time, Loren
Phillips. Loren was born in Moencopi, Arizona in 1942. Loren
consistently wins "Best of Show" awards, especially
at the annual Hopi Artists exhibition at the Museum of Northern
Arizona. Because Loren participates in the ceremonial dances,
he knows every symbolic detail that is significant to each kachina
doll he carves.
Loren's tools for carving
are predominately pocket and hunting knives, from which he carves
the finer details of patterns, textures and decorative lines.
He is very particular about the sanding and finishing of his
dolls, especially the last steps of staining and painting. Loren
has developed his own method of applying stains to give the surface
a beautiful luster, through which the grain of the wood is still
visible. All of this is very evident when you look at this kachina.
Loren is very meticulous about
the creation of his dolls, and his hallmark is the motion and
action he puts into every doll. This Kachina is truly an action
doll. The posture shows tremendous action, with arms stretched
out wide - and an incredible wingspan. It appears as though he
may leap from the base and take flight!
This Eagle has all the traditional
Hopi features and is true to form. Take a close look at the "breast
feathers" on the chest and shoulder area of the carving.
This is a minute detail almost never seen on most Eagle kachina
carvings.
Loren Phillips is featured
in every book about Hopi carvers, including "The Art of
the Hopi" by Jerry & Lois Jacka, "Kachina Dolls"
by Helga Tiewes, "Kachina Doll Carving" by Erik Bromberg
and "Hopi Kachina Dolls and their Carvers" by Theda
Bassman.
