Timothy Talawepi
White Buffalo
Dancer
6 1/2"
H with 1 1/4" base
Timothy Talawepi was born
February 6th, 1967 to Charles Talawepi and Marianne Tenakhongva.
Timothy is self-taught but learned a lot from watching his father.
He also gives credit to Hopi
carver, Brian Honyouti, who helped him perfect his art.
Timothy is married to Rosemary. Rosemary’s father, Kenneth
Pavenyouma is well known also for his Kachina carving.
Timothy’s favorite Kachina
to carve is the Blue Chasing Star Kachina. He was featured in
Arizona Highway’s “A New Generation of Indian Artists”
issue November 1992. He also was “Hopi Carver of the Year”
at the Sedona Hopi show.
The Buffalo Dancer is a Social
Dancer, but appears very similar to the Buffalo kachina. The
only exception is that he does not wear a mask.
He may usually may be seen
in the month of January on Second Mesa. The doll is a recent
addition to the repertoire of carvers. It was given it's popularity
through the carving of, Alvin James Mayka who seems to have made
the first examples. It is now a favorite of many carvers and
collectors.
Timothy has done an excellent
job of capturing this popular dancer. His ability to give "life"
to his work is evident in the posture and proportion of the figure.
Having carved this figure entirely from one piece (with the exception
of the accessory items), Timothy has truly completed another
masterpiece.
Every detail has been accounted
for: the delicate lines in the headdress, as well as the elaborate
pattern in the woven sash. Even the fingers have a stark sense
of realism.
