"Tokotsi or Tokoch Kachina
is the Wildcat Kachina. He is one of the Angry Kachinas and appears
with others of this type when there is work to be done in the
community such as the cleaning of the springs.
"He never appears in
regular dances unless it is the Soyohim or Mixed Kachina Dance.
As a kachina who is expected to keep the idlers at work, he usually
carries a rope in his left hand and a switch in his right."
- Barton Wright, "Kachinas:
a Hopi artist's documentary" (31)
Here he appears with a rattle
in one hand and a bow in the other. His feather headdress nicely
done, his posture is indicative of the dance. His cape is made
of a wildcat skin, and his body is painted with the traditional
markings.
This is a classic museum quality
piece by Vern. The unique stance and posture of his best pieces
always give them life-like characteristics. Notice how he is
hunched over, as you might see him in a plaza ceremony. Every
detail has been accounted for. The delicate lines in the fur
cape have been carefully carved by hand.
Other impressive details include
the swaying necklace, the turtle shell leg rattle, and the tree
branch along the base. All of this is carved entirely from the
same piece of wood. The only additions are the smallest accents,
such as the feathers and items in the hands.
Vern Mahkee was born November
13, 1963 and resides in Oraibi, at Third Mesa. He is a member
of the Corn Clan.
Vern is a self-taught artist.
He learned the art of carving by watching his numerous artistic
relatives, like his uncle, the famed Kachina carver Alvin James
Makya, and taught himself their methods as well as developing
his own.
Vern Mahkee first carved Kachinas
as a means of carrying on a religious rite. He began carving
the dolls for sale and entering shows in 1979. Since that time
he has developed a reputation for ultra-fine detail, as well
as beautiful balance in his Kachinas.
He has won awards in such
prestigious shows as the Santa Fe Indian Market. Vern¹s
Hopi name is Kuwanwisiwima.
