Tino Youvella
Left-handed
10 1/2"
H with 1" base
The Left-handed Kachina is
said by some to be derived from the Hualapai Nation, but other
Hopi attribute them to the Chemehuevi. He is called left handed
because his gear is reversed.
To draw an arrow from the
quiver he must use his right hand rather than his left as is
normal. The Kachina moves with strange bobbing and little choppy
steps. Despite his odd behavior, he is an excellent hunter.
"He is a favorite subject
for the carving of kachina dolls or the paiting of pictures,"
records Barton Wright.
The Left-handed kachina, Suy-ang-e-vif,
may act as a prompter in a dance or be found making odd little
bows and taking small mincing steps at the edge of a procession.
A great deal of the time he
has trouble with the Ho'-e when they appear in the same dance.
[When together], one of the usual pair keeps up a steady step
while the other points to evidence of [game] they are obviously
hunting.
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artist's Documentary (32)
Tino Youvella is from First
Mesa, near Polacca, Arizona on the Hopi Indian reservation.
He started carving in 1962.
He is in many publications and attends various shows in the southwest.
His sons are Alex and Preston Youvella and they both carve in
the Youvella style. Tino is very involved in the kiva activities
in his village and he also still farms.
Tino is another carver whose
work represents a great value for collectors just starting out
or who are looking for nice work at a great price.
