Cecil Calnimptewa
Homeland Security
20 1/4"
total height
"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)
"The Hopi word 'Kipok'
means 'go to battle' or 'attacking someone.' This kachina frequently
comes in the summer time with the clowns, although he may infrequently
appear during the fast parade. He has been known to gather men
and bring them to the proper kiva.
"He functions as a 'hunter'
of the clowns and has been seen to chastise the other kachinas
he apperas with in the mixed Kachina dance and to threaten punishment
for misbehavior.
"Dolls of this kachina
are not found in earlier collections and were called Powak Koyemsi
only a couple of decades ago. This is usually a sign that the
Kachina has not been present for a very long time for it is still
regarded with suspicion."
- Ricks, J. Brent, et al., Kachinas:
Spirit Beings of the Hopi (116)
"The Apache Kachina is
a figure or caricature that may appear during the Kiva Dances
both early and late, or with the Soyohim later in the year. A
group of them frequently will appear in the Buffalo Dances during
the Kachina season.
"Their actions are usually
those that one would expect of Apaches on the warpath. They are
often used in conjunction with the clowns."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artist Documentary (145)
Cecil Calnimptewa is perhaps
the most well known kachina carver of today. His work has been
featured in nearly ever publication on Hopi kachina dolls and
has been the inspiration behind dozens, if not hundreds, of talented
new artists' work. Whole volumes have been dedicated to his carvings
alone.
As recorded in The Kachina
Dolls of Cecil Calnimptewa, by Theda Bassman "Cecil Calnimptewa
carved and sold his first Kachina doll when he was 18 years old.
Since that time, he has become an innovator, teacher, and master
of the art."
He was born on January 1,
1950, into the village of Moencopi near Tuba City, Arizona, and
is a member of the Bamboo clan.
His work is known far and
wide, as he has received numerous awards and accolades for not
only his skills as a carve, but for the innovations in Hopi kachina
carving which he pioneered.
"His artistry is exhibited
in the fine detail of belts, sashes, and garments as well as
musculature, the motion, and active stance of the doll. He produces
very realistic figures which have sheer aesthetic beauty and
display tremendous power." - The Kachina Dolls of Cecil
Calnimptewa.
