Bo Lomahquahu
Ahulani
13 3/4"
total height
Ahulani makes his quiet appearance
rather late in the afternoon of the sixth day of the Soyal Ceremony
when he rises rather than creakily from one of the kivas with
his two maidens. He and his two maids function almost exactly
as does the Soyal Kachina of third mesa in that no other kachina
may appear before them. In essence he is the announcer of the
coming Kachina season just as is Soyal.
Ahulani plants his staff firmly
on the ground and they begin to sing. As each chorus is finished
they pace slowly forward a step for each part of the song until
it is completed. Making his dignified way to the plaza, followed
by the two manas with their burdens of corn, he repeats the same
ritual there and in other parts of the village, before they return
to the kiva and disappear.
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.