Alvin Navasie
Kokopelli
13" total
height
The Kokopelli is a world-renowned
figure who's origin and purpose have been argued by every group
who has ever claimed him. Still the most consistent record lies
in the unadulterated legends of the Hopi culture.
He has been referred to as
a flute player, a rain god, a trickster, a traveler, a musician,
the hump-back, a fertility god, and so on. His appearance suggests
many of these things at different times.
Among the Hopi, he is only
a flute player when he borrows a flute to dance. The hump on
his back is thought to be a satchel full of seeds - for he is
a planter, and with him usually comes life and abundance. The
Springtime is often associated with the Kokopelli because of
the new growth and appearance of flowers.
Legends have recorded the
Kokopelli as a sexual figure who not only brings blessings to
the crops but also leaves the villages full of new mothers. All
in all, he represents fertility. And he has certainly left his
mark, as he can be found in the cultures of South and Central
America, as well as all of the other tribes of the Southwest.
Some have said that the flute
that seems to appear in his hands is actually a planting stick
which he uses to burry the seeds from inside his pack.
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."
