Ed Seechoma
Hi'lili
9" head
to toe
11 1/2" to tip of feathers
The Hilili "is apparently
a kachina that has made its way from Acoma or Laguna by a process
of osmosis. In these pueblos he is known as Heleleka. By the
time he reached the Hopis prior to the turn of the century, his
name had changed to Hilili, 'from the call that he makes.'
"His first appearance
was among the Hopis of First Mesa and the other two mesas made
known their disapproval by calling this a witch or Powak Kachina.
However, his popularity as a guard kachina and admiration for
his rapid dance has increased.
"Now he is found on all
the mesas in a great variety of forms. He appears very frequently
in the Powamu and in the Night Dances."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artist's Documentary (43)
Ed Seechoma is from the village
of Hotevilla at Third Mesa and is a well known carver, proficient
in both the traditional and contemporary methods. In fact, his
action oriented carvings can take years to complete and often
fetch thousands of dollars.
His traditional carvings are
also highly sought after for many reasons. Ed is one of the few
carvers who adheres to the "old" methods - using antique
horseshoe files, all-natural pigments, and of course hand-tying
all his feathers.
One of Ed's trademarks is
the appearance of the bow legs on each piece.
Ed's work could be considered
"the traditionalist's traditional."
His work can be found in some
of the most prestigious and reputable galleries and museums in
the Southwest, including the Wheelright Museum of Santa Fe, and
Heard Museum of Phoenix.
