Brendan Kayquoptewa
White Bear
10 1/2"
H with 1 1/4" base
Brendan Kayquoptewa began
carving kachina figures over 14 years ago. As a former student
of architecture he studied at the University of Arizona and Brigham
Young University, where he developed an understanding of form
and function which is reflected in his artwork.
Realizing that architecture
as a technical occupation may not allow for the traditional expression
he felt so connected to, Brendan shifted his focus full-time
to kachina carving.
Although he is mostly self
taught, by looking at the works of others, Brendan also learned
from his brother Sam, as well as his late father Robert.
Born in Keams Canyon, Brendan
was raised in the traditional village of Hotevilla at Third Mesa,
and is a member of the Rabbit and Tobacco clans.
This particular figure is
a fine example of Brendan's meticulous attention to detail and
bold use of color.
Brendan's work is exceptional
in this piece as in all of his pieces. His soft and subtle details
add amazing realism to his work. Among may other awards, he won
best of Kachina Division at the Museum of Northern Arizona's
Hopi Show in July of 2002.
He has signed "B. Kayquoptewa,"
and has included his customary deer tracks trademark.
The White Bear depicted here
is a Hon Kachin, but is more properly described as Köcha
Honau.
"The Bear Kachina is
of such great strength that it is felt he can cure the sick.
He appears in the kachina return or Soyal of First Mesa as the
watchman or side dancer for the Chakwaina.
He may come singly or in a
group during the Palölökong Dance, and may appear in
a number of colors such as Sakwa Honau (Blue Bear) or as illustrated
- Köcha Honau (White Bear). Probably he is most familiar
in the Mixed Kachina Dance, dancing outside the lines.
His most distinctive feature
is the presence of a bear footprint on either cheek."
-Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artist's Documentary (114)
