Vern Mahkee
Mocker / Kwikwilyaka
12 1/2"
H with 1 1/2" base
"Kwikwilyaka is
the Mocking Kachina. As a clown he has little personality of
his own but fastens like a leech onto any activity that catches
his eye. With mirror-like accuracy he will reflect every action
of the unfortunate whom he decides to mimic.
He drives the other kachinas
such as the Ho'-e to strong measures to rid themselves of this
unwanted echo. Should a person in the audience become the focus
of this undesired attention, he must wait until something diverts
the attention of this kachina.
But the wait is very difficult
without inadvertantly making some movement, and the rapidity
of the mocking usually produces gales of laughter from the rest
of the audience.
During the Bean Dance procession
he is a foil for the Ho'-e and an annoyance to others."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artist's Documentary (37)
The literal translation of
his name, Kwikwilyaka, means "striped over," referring
to his nose and eyes.
Notice the detailed work in
the necklace, bracelet, and hands. The abalone shell "peace
sign" seems to be swaying to the Mocker's dance step.
Vern's detail and painting
makes him among the top five carvers of modern times.
Vern Mahkee was born November
13, 1963 and resides in Oraibi, at Third Mesa. He is a member
of the Corn Clan.
Vern is a self-taught artist.
He learned the art of carving by watching his numerous artistic
relatives, like his uncle, the famed Kachina carver Alvin James
Makya, and taught himself their methods as well as developing
his own.
Vern Mahkee first carved Kachinas
as a means of carrying on a religious rite. He began carving
the dolls for sale and entering shows in 1979. Since that time
he has developed a reputation for ultra-fine detail, as well
as beautiful balance in his Kachinas.
He has won awards in such
prestigious shows as the Santa Fe Indian Market. Vern¹s
Hopi name is Kuwanwisiwima.
