Gary Tso
Scorpion
11 3/4"
total height
We're very pleased to present
this terrific traditional Scorpion kachina by Gary Tso.
Gary is not only a great carver,
but he's a good friend of ours and possibly the best Hopi tour
guide around. If you're ever interested in learning more about
Hopi culture - I highly recommend taking Gary's tour during your
next visit to Hopiland. Arrangements can be made through us as
well as through Gary directly.
He is one of the few young
Hopi men who can speak the language fluently and who has an historical
understanding of his religion and culture. He is one of the most
knowledgeable people I know, and his gifts obviously flow over
into his carving.
This kachina is a rarely carved
figure whose function is primarily as a runner - but he often
appears with rabbit-sticks in his hand, indicating that he is
also a hunter.
"This kachina is called
Puchkofmoktaka or Throwing Stick Man on some mesas. At other
times he will be known as Scorpion Kachina because the Scorpion
carries his own throwing stick on the tip of his tail.
"Whatever his name, he
usually carries two rabbit sticks which are made of cloth and
stuffed with cotton. In racing he may either throw these at the
individual who escapes him or belabor the unfortunate loser with
the dummy sticks.
"He is sometimes referred
to as a hunting kachina."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artist's Documentary, (223)
