Vern Mahkee
Chasing Star
8 1/2"
H with 1 1/2 base
The Chasing Star (Na-ngasohu),
or Planet Kachina, is a handsome figure with the enormous fan
of eagle plumes behind the head and the simple but effective
design of the face.
Usually he appears in pairs
in the Bean Dance procession, the Palolokongti, or a Mixed Dance,
carrying a bell in his right hand. His particular function is
unknown.
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.
