Alfred "Bo"
Lomahquahu
Cactus Couple
17 1/2"
total height
The Cactus kachina, or Yung'a,
derives its name from the Spanish word for prickly pear, tuna.
According to Barton Wright, however, "there is just as much
reason to believe that this word, yung'a, is an old Hopi word.
"As a kachina, he appeared
just prior to the turn of the century and was personated only
a few times on First Mesa. He has been perpetuated more through
the use of dolls rather than in dances.
"His function on Third
Mesa was to insure the cleaning of springs, but on First Mesa
he seems to have appeared primarily in the Soyohim.
-Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artist's Documentary (146)
"When Yung'a [Cactus
Kachina] appears in the Soyohim, he is accompanied by the Yung'a
Mana. [She] usually carries a basket with pads of prickley pear
in it. In her left hand she carries a set of wooden tongs that
she uses to handle the cactus pads. She is dressed in the manner
of the Hano Kachin Mana."
- Barton Wrigth, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artist's Documentary (147)
Alfred "Bo" Lomahquahu
was born at Keams Canyon, Arizona in April, 1964. He was raised
in the small Hopi village of Bacavi, high atop Third Mesa, in
Northern Arizona. He learned early the wisdom of accepting and
following his elder's counsel. Advice given him by one grandfather,
a Hopi medicine man, to travel and gain new experiences, was
particularly influential in the shaping of Alfred's life and
principles.
As a direct result of that
advice, he departed his homeland and attended a boarding school
in Riverside, California. After completion of his formal education,
Alfred joined the Marines, and for the next six years, he traveled
extensively. As he observed other cultures, Alfred developed
a deeper appreciation for the Hopi's simple way of life.
A short while after his return
to the States, an unfinished kachina was given to him to complete.
His first kachina was so well received that he decided to pursue
carving as his vocation. From that point, Alfred's destiny became
clear. Today his kachinas are still well received and admired
as evidenced by his numerous awards.
At times criticized for his
use of power tools when applying finishing touches to his kachinas,
Alfred replies, "If you want to accomplish anyhing, you
have to use every available means."
In each of his dolls, the
spiritual element is always present. Couples with that element,
Alfred does his utmost to give good form and outstanding physical
characteristics to each finished piece. He is always hopeful
that each of his kachinas will eventually grace a home where
good feelings abound, for the underlying purpose of the kachina
is to promote harmony.
Ten hour days are the norm
for Alfred, but he enjoys his "work" and is happy with
it. With each passing day, as he patiently toils, Alfred attempts
to instill those long ago, sage words of his grandfather, within
his own children.
Alfred continues to create
masterfully done pieces of art for an ever growing audience of
ardent fans, loyal supporters, and avid kachina collectors.
