Bendrew Atokuku
Ahola
12 1/2"
total height
The Ahola is a chief kachina
of very high order. He is considered an elder and a very wise
chief. The Ahola appears at the Powamu ceremony to open the beginning
of the Kachina season. The Ahola brings prayers for a long and
healthful life.
The Ahola and Ahola Mana go
from house to house, making their appearance. On the outside
walls of each home, the Ahola draws four horizontal marks with
corn meal. The women inside the house come out and sprinkle the
Ahola with cornmeal and at the same time take some corn seeds
from the Ahola Mana's basket.
The two leave and go to the
kiva entrance and face each other. He holds his staff out for
support and strength and bends his right knee and continues kneeling
in rhythmic motion. He calls out to the kiva chief and the two
discuss the arrival of the Kachinas for the year.
The Ahola wears a round case
mask that is painted yellow and blue with an inverted black triangle
above the down turned beak. There are many stars near where the
eyes would be and the triangle is outlined in black and white.
A wide fan of feathers encircles
the mask perpendicularly and there is a grouping of small turkey
feathers in back.
We're delighted to present
the work of Bendrew Atokuku. He is one of the most talented and
promising young old-style carvers producing today.
Bendrew is the younger brother
of Elene Atokuku, who is also known for her fine Hopi silver
overlay, and exquisite Hopi coil plaques.
Hailing from the village of
Shungopavi at Second Mesa, Bendrew and his family are deeply
steeped in tradition and ceremonial life. This immersion is apparent
in their work, as attention to detail and authenticity stands
out as a chief characteristic.
