The Heheya kachina has no
English name or translation. Heheya Kachinas are most often seen
on Third Mesa and act as messengers to the rain gods. The Heheyas
dance on the side of the procession and guard the other dancers.
He talks in opposites...for instance, if the dance is good, he
says it is bad.
Heheyas are usually recognized
by the vertical red, yellow and blue zigzag lines on the sides
of the mask. The pothook eyes are black, outlined in red and
the mouth is a similar pothook style. The case mask is sometimes
painted yellow and there is often a grouping of red chili peppers
on top of the mask. He has red tab ears and he wears a black
and white cloth ruff.
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.
