The White Buffalo Dancer,
Kocha Mosairu, is actually not a Kachina, but one of the star
social dancers. He is usually seen in the month of January, particularly
in the kiva dances on Second Mesa. He is said to be an import
from the Rio Grande Pueblos, since they regularly traded for
buffalo skins with the Plains Indians.
Considered by some to be the
pioneer of modern kachina carving, Alvin Navasie has certainly
left his mark on an ancient Hopi tradition. Alvin, who is from
Polacca on First Mesa on the Hopi reservation, has done an excellent
job carving this Kachina. Alvin was taught Hopi carving by his
brother- in-law, Cecil Calnimptewa, who frequently shares his
time with both Alvin and his brother Wally Navasie.
Alvin is one of 25 carvers
featured in Theda Bassman's book, "Hopi Kachina Dolls and
Their Carvers" on pages 104-107. Alvin is 37 years old and
has been carving for over 20 years. The Kachina is signed on
the bottom of the base: "Alvin Navasie, Sr."
