Nuvadi

Black Ogre / Nataska

8 1/2" H x 5 1/4" D


"The fearsome Nataska always come as a pair. They accompany the Soyoko on their collection trip and usually stand directly behind the member of the crew who is bargaining with the relatives of the children.

"They make horrible noises, dragging their saws [and knives, or whatever it may be] along the side of the house or on the ground. All the while, they keep up a steady stamping that makes the turtle-shell rattles on their legs sound ominously.

"They are supposed to be able to eat a child whole; from the very earliest age, the child has heard stories of these monsters - how they would descend on children playing near the village and haul them away to cook and eat. So it is no wonder that the children are petrified at their actual appearance!

"Usually only dark colored clothes are put on this kachina pair, who should have horns. The feather fan is made of turkey feathers which are placed close together to form a large mass behind the head that makes the figures appear much taller and broader."

- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi Artists Documentary (78)

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

"I began carving Hopi Kachina dolls in the beginning of 1995. My sons, Dion and Austin, are the inspiration for my artistic expression.

"My kachinas are made from cottonwood roots that I hand carve with a variety of knives. First, the wood is sanded smoothly and textured with a woodburner. Next, the unpainted piece is then sprayed with polyurethane to seal the grains. After this, it is painted and shaded with acrylic paints.

"Although some of my work is traditional, I have cultivated my own style of carving. I am well known for my Butterfly Maiden, Warrior Mouse, Red-tail Hawk, and Kokopelli Couple.

"I am delighted to share my kachina carvings with all who respect and appreciate my artistry and cultural heritage."

- Nuvadi Dawahoya

Nuvadi is the son of Beauford & Dinah Dawahoya. His name means "Snow," in the Hopi language. As a young artist, he has quickly captured the attention of collectors and gallery owners around the country.

He has won ribbons at nearly every major show - including many first place prizes and best of show and best of class awards. Some of these competitions include the Heard Museum Indian Market, Santa Fe Indian Market, Tucson market, and the Southwestern Museum Invitational in California.

His work is unlike anything we've seen before. He consistently amazes the judges and sets the standard for new and innovative styles in kachina carving. His work has a sense of proportion and realism that is unmatched in the realm of kachina carving.

A close look at Nuvadi's carvings reveals a meticulous but subtle attention to detail. Each figure is postured and posed to give a sense of life-like action. Every inch gone over and textured very carefully. His background as a two-
dimensional artist assists him in his ability to accurately provide shading and other details. His work is all one-piece.

SPECIAL NOTE:

This particular style of figure has taken blue ribbons for its detail and innovation in the field of kachina carving. Highly sought after, this is a rare and unique piece of unparalleled workmanship.

Ron McGee credits Nuvadi's work as some of the most noteworthy creations in modern Hopi kachina carving, and as a judge, he feels that this style has rightfully taken the blue ribbon.

Net Price: $5,500.00

SOLD

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1.800.854.1359

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