Alvin Navasie

Crow Mother

15" total height


The Angwusnasomtaka, or Crow Mother, as she is called, "is a figure of great dignity. She appears on all three mesas, usually in connection with the initiation of the children, although she also appears on other occassions.

At the initiation rites she descends into the kiva bearing a large number of yucca blades bound together at the base. She takes a position at one corner of the large sand painting on the floor of the kiva, with one of her "sons" on either side of her.

As the candidate is brought to the sand painting she hands a whip to one of the Hu' Kachinas who gives the child four healthy strokes with the yucca blade. When the yucca becomes worn it is handed back to the Crow Mother who then supplies a new one.

When the initiatory whipping is over, she raises her skirts and receives the same treatment accorded the children. They are given prayer feathers and meal and leave the kiva."

- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi Artist's Documentary (66)


Considered by some to be the pioneer of modern kachina carving, Alvin Navasie has certainly left his mark on an ancient Hopi tradition. Alvin, who is from Polacca on First Mesa on the Hopi reservation, has done an excellent job carving this Kachina. Alvin was taught Hopi carving by his brother- in-law, Cecil Calnimptewa, who frequently shares his time with both Alvin and his brother Wally Navasie.

Alvin is one of 25 carvers featured in Theda Bassman's book, "Hopi Kachina Dolls and Their Carvers" on pages 104-107. Alvin is 37 years old and has been carving for over 20 years. The Kachina is signed on the bottom of the base: "Alvin Navasie, Sr."

   Gallery Price: $2,750.00nw

Sale: $2,200.00
(plus sh/han)


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item, please contact Brandon:
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1.800.854.1359

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