Cecil Miles
Eagle Dancer
8 1/4"
total height
This dance is not as common
as it might have been at one time, and according to Barton Wright's
Kachinas: a Hopi Artist's Documentary, you might have
the satisfaction of occassionally seeing a performance "in
one of the night ceremonies in March or during the Powamu."
"Usually the personator
imitates the step or motion and cry of the eagle to absolute
perfection. There is evidence that this kachina was imported
into Zuni from the Hopi and is danced there in much the same
manner that it is at Hopi.
This may be why the Eagle
may appear during Pamuya on First Mesa with Zuni Kachinas."
(87)
Cecil Miles was born in Winslow
in 1967 into the Red Streak Tobacco Clan. He grew up in Polacca
at Hopi and in Winslow, Arizona.
Cecil started carving in 1990
and learned to carve from Alvin Navasie. He often carves with
Alvin and Cecil Calnimptewa. When he started carving, he made
simpler sculptures and started adding more detail as he got better.
He now carves one piece Kachinas
with great detail. He often works with collectors to create very
fine works of art. His favorite Kachinas to carve are animals
such as eagles and Buffalo warriors because they are "leaning
more toward life."
He has taken awards at Ceremonial
and a blue ribbon at O'odham Tash. His work has been published
in American Indian Art and Art of the Hopi.
Cecil is considered a master
carver and his work is carried by the most discriminating galleries.
He is mentioned in a number of publications on Hopi art to include
Art of the Hopi by Jerry and Lois Jacka, Hopi Katsina Dolls by
Kent McManis and American Indian Art.
