"Huhuwa is known as the Cross-Legged Kachina or on First Mesa, the Snare Kachina. Folklore has it that this kachina is the spirit of a man from Second Mesa, probably Mishongnovi, who has some crippling disease that left him barely able to walk. Despite this handicap he was so cheerful and eager to help others that he still continues among the Hopi as a kachina.

"He often appears as a pair of kachinas hobbling about some village during a ceremony chattering between themselves. He is probably chosen more often as a gift-giving kachina at Powamu times than any other kachina.

"He is noted for his remarks which are always humorous. He imitates the dialects of the various villages and the funny things the villagers have done. His clothes are always ragged and give the appearance of having been rescued from the moths in some Hopi storeroom.

"Yet he is always greeted with delight by all who see him."

- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi Artist's Documentary, (40)

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Artist Bio:

Aaron Honanie is another contemporary kachina artist, recognized as a master carver.

Aaron lives in Moenkopi, on the Hopi Reservation. Active in his kiva, he was initiated into a Hopi men's society at the age of twelve.

In addition to carving, Aaron enjoys spending time at the rodeo where he is a skillful team roper. Although Aaron first began carving kachina dolls from several pieces of cottonwood root, with parts glued to the body and painted with acrylics, in 1984 his technique changed when he and his brother, Jimmie Gail, visited Loren Phillips and watched him carve dolls.

Since that year, Aaron has supported himself and his family with his art. And he always gives Loren ready praise for being a good teacher. Aaron Honanie is one of today's foremost carvers and has many prizes to show for it.

Helga Teiwes did a piece on Aaron in her book, KACHINA DOLLS, The Art of the Hopi Carvers, where she also featured one of his kachina dolls in the color photo section.