Tino Youvella
Chaveyo
14 1/4"
H with 1 1/4" base
"Chaveyo is one of the
more cosmopolitan kachinas. He is represented in nearly every
pueblo, but his original home was probably in the San Juan area
of New Mexico. However, for the Hopis his home is the San Francisco
Mountains, and he is the husband of Hahai-i Wuhti. The family
of Hahai-i Wuhti and Chaveyo are the Nataskas, the dreadful Sosoyok't.
Chaveyo is the Sergeant Snorkel
of the kachinas. Should any Hopi fail to meet his obligations
in community work or transgress the unspoken rules of conduct
for the village, Chaveyo will show him the error of his ways.
Chaveyo often appears with Soyoko on First Mesa buy can appear
for the same purpose anytime during the spring months. However,
he is usually seen in the Powamu or Palolokongti (Water Serpent
Dance) being badgered by the clowns who eventually will be soundly
whacked for their efforts.
This 'giant' kachina is a
favorite of kachina carvers and his irritable cantankerousness
usually shows in the dolls that represent him. Those who see
him for the first time at a kachina dance usually remember the
kachina with 'all those feathers and a sword.'"
- Wright, Barton, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artist Documentary (27)
Tino Youvella is from First
Mesa, near Polacca, Arizona on the Hopi Indian reservation.
He started carving in 1962.
He is in many publications and attends various shows in the southwest.
His sons are Alex and Preston Youvella and they both carve in
the Youvella style. Tino is very involved in the kiva activities
in his village and he also still farms.
Tino is another carver whose
work represents a great value for collectors just starting out
or who are looking for nice work at a great price.
