Preston Youvella
Soyal
10 1/2"
H with 1" base
This is the Hopi Soyal Kachina
who comes at Winter Solstice. The Soyal Kachina, also known as
the Return Kachina, is associated with the Third Mesa and his
reappearance in late December signals the beginning of a new
Kachina season. He tours the village placing prayer feathers
at each kiva. These prayer offerings open the way for other Kachinas
to return to the village from the spirit world.
The Soyal Ceremony is the
second great ceremonial and symbolizes the second phase of Creation
at the dawn of life. It accepts and confirms the pattern of life
development for the coming year.
It is often called Soyalangwul,
Establishing Life Anew for All the World. This ceremony helps
to turn the sun back toward its summer path and implements the
life plan for the year. Activities take place in the kiva and
include reverent silence, fasting and humility and eating os
sacred foods to achieve spiritual focus.
Prayer feathers are also prepared
by the men for other purposes and placed in homes, villages and
around the ancestral homeland in shrine sites.
Preston is the son of Tino
Youvella, from Polacca, Arizona on the Hopi Indian reservation.
Preston has been carving since
he was a boy and has accompanied his father and brother, Alex,
to many shows throughout the southwest.
Like his father, Preston's
work represents a great value for collectors just starting out
or who are looking for nice work at a great price.
Like the rest of his family,
he is very involved in the kiva activities in his village and
he helps his father and family members with other traditional
responsibilities.
