Thomas Fredericks
Marao
18 1/2"
total height
"This kachina may derive
his name from the fact that the headdress he wears is th esame
as the one appearing on the Mamzrau, the participants in an important
women's ceremony. Despite the name, the kachina is dressed in
a style much closer to that of the Navajo Kachinas than anyone
else.
He appears in Plaza Dances
in late spring. There are several varieties of this kachina present
on the mesas, but there does not seem to be any variation in
naming. This illustration shows the tripod headdress that is
found on both this kachina and the performer in the Mamzrau."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artist's Documentary (190)
Thomas Fredericks is from
Third Mesa. Born in Phoenix Arizona in April of 1973. Raised
in Phoenix with frequent visits to the Hopi Reservation with
his parents thus exposing him to his Hopi culture. After graduation
from High School, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during
the 1st Gulf War aboard the aircraft carrier the U.S.S. Independence.
After being honorable discharged
he entered the restaurant business and worked until becoming
interested in his fathers (Johns) work. First helping to sand
carvings and helping at the art shows. He carving on his own,
eventually carving well enough to begin selling his own work.
Through practice, trial and
error and hard work he has established his own style and customer
base. He continues to perfect his own art while he grows to maintain
and learn his traditional and cultural identity, he is also the
proud father of 3 children, Aeneas, Andrew and Annabelle. Fredericks
