Alex Youvella
Albino Chakwaina
11 1/2"
total height
"This kachina was brought
from Zuni by the Asa Clan when they came to Sichomovi. Since
that time he has spread to the other mesas. However, Chakwaina
originally came from much farther east for he has homologues
in Keresan and Tanoan pueblos along the Rio Grande.
It has been stated that this
kachina represents Estevan the Moor, who led Fray Marcos de Niza
in search of Cibola and was killed at Zuni. This does not seem
too reasonable considering the direction of his diffusion and
the complex relationship of the Chakwaina group to the various
pueblos where it is found.
Chakwaina appears most often
in January during the Kiva Dances - dancing in a line with rather
lively gestures, stooping and turning and singing a spirited
tune. All Chakwaina are warriors."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artist's Documentary (99)
Alex Youvella is the youngest
son of the well known Hopi kachina carver and traditionalist
from First Meas, Tino Youvella. Tino has been bringing his carvings
to the trading post for decades, and has had an incredible influence
on his children and in-laws.
Alex has really taken his
father's teachings to a new height. His work stands on its own
and speaks for itself.
Alex has lived in Santa Fe,
New Mexico for the past several years and has enjoyed the exposure
to many types of art and various styles and mediums.
He shows at many venues throughout
the Southwest and has won many awards. We hope to see more work
by this talented young carver.
