Alfred "Bo" Lomahquahu

Left Handed Hunter

16" total height


The Left Handed Kachina is said by some to be derived from the Hualapai Nation, but other Hopi attribute them to the Chemehuevi. He is called left handed because his gear is reversed.

To draw an arrow from the quiver he must use his right hand rather than his left as is normal. The Kachina moves with strange bobbing and little choppy steps. Despite his odd behavior, he is an excellent hunter.

"He is a favorite subject for the carving of kachina dolls or the paiting of pictures," records Barton Wright.

The Left-handed kachina, Suy-ang-e-vif, may act as a prompter in a dance or be found making odd little bows and taking small mincing steps at the edge of a procession.

A great deal of the time he has trouble with the Ho'-e when they appear in the same dance. [When together], one of the usual pair keeps up a steady step while the other points to evidence of [game] they are obviously hunting.

- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi Artist's Documentary (32)


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: $3,900.00

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