Nuvadi
Black Ogre
/ Nataska
8 1/2"
H x 5 1/4" D
"The fearsome Nataska
always come as a pair. They accompany the Soyoko on their collection
trip and usually stand directly behind the member of the crew
who is bargaining with the relatives of the children.
"They make horrible noises,
dragging their saws [and knives, or whatever it may be] along
the side of the house or on the ground. All the while, they keep
up a steady stamping that makes the turtle-shell rattles on their
legs sound ominously.
"They are supposed to
be able to eat a child whole; from the very earliest age, the
child has heard stories of these monsters - how they would descend
on children playing near the village and haul them away to cook
and eat. So it is no wonder that the children are petrified at
their actual appearance!
"Usually only dark colored
clothes are put on this kachina pair, who should have horns.
The feather fan is made of turkey feathers which are placed close
together to form a large mass behind the head that makes the
figures appear much taller and broader."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artists Documentary (78)
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
"I began carving Hopi
Kachina dolls in the beginning of 1995. My sons, Dion and Austin,
are the inspiration for my artistic expression.
"My kachinas are made
from cottonwood roots that I hand carve with a variety of knives.
First, the wood is sanded smoothly and textured with a woodburner.
Next, the unpainted piece is then sprayed with polyurethane to
seal the grains. After this, it is painted and shaded with acrylic
paints.
"Although some of my
work is traditional, I have cultivated my own style of carving.
I am well known for my Butterfly Maiden, Warrior Mouse, Red-tail
Hawk, and Kokopelli Couple.
"I am delighted to share
my kachina carvings with all who respect and appreciate my artistry
and cultural heritage."
- Nuvadi Dawahoya
Nuvadi is the son of Beauford
& Dinah Dawahoya. His name means "Snow," in the
Hopi language. As a young artist, he has quickly captured the
attention of collectors and gallery owners around the country.
He has won ribbons at nearly
every major show - including many first place prizes and best
of show and best of class awards. Some of these competitions
include the Heard Museum Indian Market, Santa Fe Indian Market,
Tucson market, and the Southwestern Museum Invitational in California.
His work is unlike anything
we've seen before. He consistently amazes the judges and sets
the standard for new and innovative styles in kachina carving.
His work has a sense of proportion and realism that is unmatched
in the realm of kachina carving.
A close look at Nuvadi's carvings
reveals a meticulous but subtle attention to detail. Each figure
is postured and posed to give a sense of life-like action. Every
inch gone over and textured very carefully. His background as
a two-
dimensional artist assists him in his ability to accurately provide
shading and other details. His work is all one-piece.
SPECIAL NOTE:
This particular style of figure
has taken blue ribbons for its detail and innovation in the field
of kachina carving. Highly sought after, this is a rare and unique
piece of unparalleled workmanship.
Ron McGee credits Nuvadi's
work as some of the most noteworthy creations in modern Hopi
kachina carving, and as a judge, he feels that this style has
rightfully taken the blue ribbon.
