Of all the women who appear
with other Kachinas, the Kachina Maiden, or Kachin' Mana, is
the most prevalent. If she is carrying blue corn, she is known
as the Blue Corn Maiden, similarly yellow corn, etc.
She often appears in regular
Kachina dances with household ware, accompanied by Long Haired
Kachina. Based on this Corn Maiden’s yellow color, she’s
a Yellow Corn Maiden. Her presence is a prayer for corn. She
also honors Mother Earth and her continuing ability to feed her
children. Placing this Kachina in your home, particularly on
an altar, shows respect for the many gifts we receive each day
from Mother Earth. This gentle maiden reminds us always to be
thankful. By the way, a Kachina Maiden often will change her
name to that of the Kachina with whom she is dancing, although
her appearance does not change.
"Yellow Corn Maiden appears
with a variety of kachinas, Angak'china, Ma'alo, Pawik and others.
She may sometimes be seen with the Kocha Mana.
They dance in a line seperate
from the other kachinas but following the same pattern of dance,
turning as the others do, gesturing as they do. Their only deviation
is when they kneel and place large gourds on the ground to rasp."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi Artist's
Documentary (175)
Alfred "Bo" Lomahquahu
was born at Keams Canyon, Arizona in April, 1964. He was raised
in the small Hopi village of Bacavi, high atop Third Mesa, in
Northern Arizona. He learned early the wisdom of accepting and
following his elder's counsel. Advice given him by one grandfather,
a Hopi medicine man, to travel and gain new experiences, was
particularly influential in the shaping of Alfred's life and
principles.
As a direct result of that
advice, he departed his homeland and attended a boarding school
in Riverside, California. After completion of his formal education,
Alfred joined the Marines, and for the next six years, he traveled
extensively. As he observed other cultures, Alfred developed
a deeper appreciation for the Hopi's simple way of life.
A short while after his return
to the States, an unfinished kachina was given to him to complete.
His first kachina was so well received that he decided to pursue
carving as his vocation. From that point, Alfred's destiny became
clear. Today his kachinas are still well received and admired
as evidenced by his numerous awards.
In each of his dolls, the
spiritual element is always present. Couples with that element,
Alfred does his utmost to give good form and outstanding physical
characteristics to each finished piece. He is always hopeful
that each of his kachinas will eventually grace a home where
good feelings abound, for the underlying purpose of the kachina
is to promote harmony.
Ten hour days are the norm
for Alfred, but he enjoys his "work" and is happy with
it. With each passing day, as he patiently toils, Alfred attempts
to instill those long ago, sage words of his grandfather, within
his own children.
Alfred continues to create
masterfully done pieces of art for an ever growing audience of
ardent fans, loyal supporters, and avid kachina collectors.