Alvin James
Sr. (Makya) d.
Corn Maiden
c. 1989
15 1/4"
total height
Alvin was born May 7, 1936
at the Hopi Village of Old Oraibi, Arizona. He was a forerunner
in carving fine, all wood kachinas and sculptures. The life-like
features made his kachinas unique. He started carving as a small
boy, but it wasn't until he got out of the military that he took
a real interest in carving.
Today he is remembered as
one of the foremost pioneers of modern kachina carving. His work
has been represented in nearly every major publication on kachina
carvings and is shown in major museums and collections around
the world.
This stylized corn maiden
is a great example of Alvin's innovative approach to Hopi art
and culture.
As a sculpture, this piece
represents the typcial Hopi maiden, or Hano Mana - with customary
hair whorls and blue paint face. The interior of the sculpture
represents the many colors of corn among the Hopi - with the
blue corn being most prominent as a symbol of humility and a
reminder of the choice the Hopi made to lead this kind of life.