Alfred Bo
Lomahquahu
Super Heroes
Warrior Maiden
Twin War God
Heoto
Yellow Ahote
Ewiro
28 1/2"
total height
This spectacular carving features
five elaborately detailed warriors coming together in defense
of their Hopi homeland.
Bo Lomahquahu is one of the
only carvers we know of who creates these complex conceptual
masterpieces, and this piece certainly doesn't fail to impress!
Learn more about each of the
figures appearing here, below:
Warrior Maiden
"Hé-é-e
or Hé'wuhti may be seen in Powamu celebrations most years,
but it is at the Pachavu ceremonies that Hé-é-e
is seen in her most impressive appearance. This kachina is the
Warrior Maid, based on the story of a young girl.
Many years ago, tradtion says
that some Hopis were living outside the main village, and the
mother of this household was putting up her daughter's hair.
The mother had finished only one side of the hair whorls, the
hair on the other side still hanging loosely, when they saw enemies
sneaking toward the village.
The daughter snatched up a
bow, quiver, and arrows from the wall and raced toward the village
to warn the people. She then led the defense until the men in
the fields could return and rout the enemy.
She has been personated ever
since as a kachina and always appears with her hair partially
up on one side and hanging down on the other. On the back of
her head she wears an artificial scalp lock, and she carries
the weapons she snatched up so long ago. She still guards the
village."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artist's Documentary (57)
Twin War God
This kachina represents one
of the twin warrior gods - Pookanghoya. "He often
appears in the Mixed Kachina Dances but may also appear in evening
dances in the kivas. His is one of the so-called Fighting Kachinas."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: A Hopi
Artist's Documentary (138).
The stripes on his face and
headdress are warrior tracks.
Heoto
Heoto appears in the Kiva
Dances, Soyohim, and Plaza Dances. He is a variant or related
form of the Chakwaina and appears in a very similar role. He
also functions as a guard during the Powamu.
- Wright, Barton. Kachinas: A Hopi
Artist's Documentary (159)
Yellow Ahote
"A'hote may appear in
any of the directional colors but the two most common colors
are the yellow A'hote (Sikyahote) or the blue (Sakwahote).
"In a Plaza Dance it
is not unusual to see a line of Sakwahote with several Sikyahote,
and a white or red form as well. All indications in his costume
point to inspiration from a Plains-type warrior, particularly
the feather headdress.
"A'hote may appear in
the Mixed Kachina Dances, or the Palolokong Dances and the Plaza
Dance. In his left hand he very frequently carries roast or boiled
corn that is given out to the audience during his performance."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artist's Documentary (170)
Ewiro
"Ewiro is an old style
Third Mesa kachina that normally appears during Pachavu. However,
he may appear to make war on the clowns during the regular plaza
dances later in the year. He functions as a policeman and formerly
oversaw the cleaning out of springs.
"The small shield that
this kachina carries may be barely discerned at his right side."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artists Documentary (63)
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.