Marvene Kewenvoyouma
Dawa / Sun
8 1/2"
H with 1/4" base
According to Barton Wright,
"the Sun Kachina 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."
- Wright, Barton. Kachinas: a Hopi
Artist's Documentary (124)
The mask of the Sun Kachina
is a representation of the round face of the Sun. The lower half
of the face is blue with rectangular eyes, a triangle mouth and
vertical bars on each cheek. The top half of the mask is painted
half yellow and half red. Carved red horsehair hangs from his
forehead and drapes the mask.
The most impressive feature
about the mask are the black tipped feathers that radiate from
the rim and completely circle the edge of the mask. They are
all individually detailed and carved.
He wears an embroidered white
kilt, which is carved and shaded to capture the natural folds
that give the Kachina a strong sense of reality. The embroidered
sash, red bandolier and red belt are also carved to enhance the
realism of cloth. His left forearm and right calf is blue and
the right forearm and left calf is yellow. He also carries a
gourd rattle.
Marvene Kewenvouyouma is the
spouse of award winning carver, Nuvadi Dawahoya. She learned
by watching her husband carve, and today she rivals his work
with some of the finest sculptural figures we've seen. Obviously
her work is very close in style and quality to Nuvadi.
Nuvadi has provided his biography,
and Marvene says his description also applies to her for the
most part:
"My sons, Dion and Austin,
are the inspiration for my artistic expression.
"My kachinas are made
from cottonwood roots that I hand carve with a variety of knives.
First, the wood is sanded smoothly and textured with a woodburner.
Next, the unpainted piece is then sprayed with polyurethane to
seal the grains. After this, it is painted and shaded with acrylic
paints.
"Although some of my
work is traditional, I have cultivated my own style of carving.
I am well known for my Butterfly Maiden, Warrior Mouse, Red-tail
Hawk, and Kokopelli Couple.
"I am delighted to share
my kachina carvings with all who respect and appreciate my artistry
and cultural heritage."
- Nuvadi Dawahoya
