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.

Gallery Price: $12,000.00

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