Brendan Kayquoptewa
Left Handed
9 1/2"
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. Incidentally, Lowell happens to be left-handed
and has adopted the Left-handed kachina as his mascot.
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)
Brendan Kayquoptewa began
carving kachina figures over 14 years ago. As a former student
of architecture he studied at the University of Arizona and Brigham
Young University, where he developed an understanding of form
and function which is reflected in his artwork.
Realizing that architecture
as a technical occupation may not allow for the traditional expression
he felt so connected to, Brendan shifted his focus full-time
to kachina carving.
Although he is mostly self
taught, by looking at the works of others, Brendan also learned
from his brother Sam, as well as his late father Robert.
Born in Keams Canyon, Brendan
was raised in the traditional village of Hotevilla at Third Mesa,
and is a member of the Rabbit and Tobacco clans.
This particular figure is
a fine example of Brendan's meticulous attention to detail and
bold use of color.
Brendan's work is exceptional
in this piece as in all of his pieces. His soft and subtle details
add amazing realism to his work. Among may other awards, he won
best of Kachina Division at the Museum of Northern Arizona's
Hopi Show in July of 2002.
He has signed "B. Kayquoptewa,"
and has included his customary deer tracks trademark.
