Alfred "Bo"
Lomahquahu
Star &
Chasing Star
13 1/2"
H with 1" Base
The Chasing Star (Na-ngasohu),
or Planet Kachina, is a handsome figure with the enormous fan
of eagle plumes behind the head and the simple but effective
design of the face.
Usually he appears in pairs
in the Bean Dance procession, the Palolokongti, or a Mixed Dance,
carrying a bell in his right hand. His particular function is
unknown.
"The Star [or Sohu] Kachina
is a strange mixture with his fringed hunting shirt and kilt
of radiating turkey feathers. He does not resemble the usual
Hopi kachina. He appears in the Mixed Kachina Dance but never
comes as a single kachina. Normally the points of the stars have
red stained "warrior" feathers on the tips, and the
top of the head is covered with sheepskin dyed black, rather
than real hair."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artist's Documentary (125)
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.
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.