The Palhik Mana, or Butterfly
Maiden, is one of the most popular kachinas in the Hopi carvers'
repertoire. This beautifully dressed figure is not really a kachina,
but rather a woman's dance personage.
Women who appear in the Mamzrau
Initiation Dance are called the Palhik' Manas. They are never
masked except on Third Mesa, although they all appear to be when
carved as dolls. The carvings typically include an elaborate
tableta including butterfly and corn symbols.
Vern Mahkee was born November
13, 1963 and resides in Oraibi, at Third Mesa. He is a member
of the Corn Clan.
Vern is a self-taught artist.
He learned the art of carving by watching his numerous artistic
relatives, like his uncle, the famed Kachina carver Alvin James
Makya, and taught himself their methods as well as developing
his own.
Vern Mahkee first carved Kachinas
as a means of carrying on a religious rite. He began carving
the dolls for sale and entering shows in 1979. Since that time
he has developed a reputation for ultra-fine detail, as well
as beautiful balance in his Kachinas.
He has won awards in such
prestigious shows as the Santa Fe Indian Market. Vern¹s
Hopi name is Kuwanwisiwima.
This particular piece is especially
impressive and meaningful. It was a piece started by Vern's uncle,
Alvin James Sr. (who was also called "Makya"). But
when Alvin passed away suddenly, the piece halted and remained
in Vern's care.
Vern felt inspired to finish
the piece in honor of Alvin. The base features both of their
names. This is a special piece for any serious collector, as
it was the last that Alvin James Sr. ever worked on.
Still, the artistic merit
speaks for itself. Standing 24" tall, this Palhik Mana gracefully
raises her eyes toward the sun in supplication for the rain that
they so desperately need. In her hands are pahos, or prayer feathers,
taken from the Golden Eagles native to their land.
Perhaps this piece is most
appropriate as a last for Alvin, since the spirits of the departed
return as cloud people who answer the prayers of their people
by bringing moisture. His spirit and legacy will forever remain
captured in this last great work.
True to form, Vern has elaborated
very meticulously upon every detail. For the most part, it is
his creation - with Alvin's contribution being mostly in terms
of the size, selection, and shape of the figure.
Take special note of everything
from the delicately ribbed eagle feathers adorning her headdress
to the natural folds in her shawl. Vern has intricately depicted
the stitching and seams with unparalleled realism.
