Alfred "Bo" Lomahquahu

Great Horned Owl

14 1/4" total height


"The Great Horned Owl [Mongwa] is best noted for his incessant war on the clowns. As the clowns follow their usual pattern of un-Hopi-like behaviour, a single silent figure will drift into one corner of the plaza and watch these uncouth fellows."

"When the clowns next appear, growing ever more boisterous in their actions, the Owl again appears and hoots solemnly. With each appearance he gets closer until he ends up talking with the clown chief who promptly blames all misbehaviour on the other clowns."

"But at the last performance, the Owl is joined by other Warrior Kachinas. They leap upon the clowns, douse them with water, beat them vigorously with willow switches or yucca blades, and leave them howling with remorse in a pile in the middle of the plaza."

- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi Artist's Documentary (91)

Another characteristic of the Owl is that of a messenger. He comes to warn the village and to call them to repentance. Perhaps this is why he carries on that way with the clowns - as a symbol. He comes to warn them of the bad things that can happen if they are not living right.


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.


Gallery Price: $3,000.00

SOLD

Other Items Available
in the
Gallery Area


If you have questions about this
item, please contact Brandon:
sales@ancientnations.com

1.800.854.1359

Ask About Our Lay Away Program

To return to the gallery: Click Here
Additional information: Purchase Details