Wayne Poleahla
Heheya
15½"
H w/ 1½" base
The Kachina was carved by
Hopi carver Wayne Poleahla. Wayne is from Old Oraibi, Arizona
on Third Mesa.
Wayne had been carving Kachina
dolls for over 25 years and originally learned from Alvin James
Makya. Alvin James is considered to be the pioneer carver in
the making of action dolls. He is in Theda Bassman's Hopi carvers
book and in Eric Bromberg's book as well. They both say that
Alvin is responsible for starting the trend towards full action
dolls in the 1950's.
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 easily 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 painted
yellow and there is 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.
He wears a sheepskin tunic
draped over his right shoulder and he also wears a folded black
breechclout underneath. He has knitted leggings with straps and
red moccasins.
This is a masterful example
of Wayne's work.
