Clark Tenakhongva
Badger
13 1/2"
total height
The Badger or Honan Kachina
belongs to a group of animal dieties often looked upon as healers
and other spiritual mediators.
"There are two types
of Badger Kachinas: the old Hopi Badger Kachina and a more recent
import from the Rio Grande. The old Hopi Badger was a curing
kachina that the Honani clan brought from the ancient village
of Kisiwu. Prayers for the growth of healing herbs are given
to him."
"In recent years another
type of Badger Kachina has made his appearance, but it is not
yet known whether this one serves the same function or not."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artist's Documentary (115)
Clark Tenakhongva was born
in 1956 and comes from a long line of accomplished Hopi carvers.
Clark, along with other young carvers have rekindled the traditional
style of Hopi doll carving, like their Grandparents who were
actively carving in the early 1900's. These dolls closely resemble
those dolls made at the turn of the century.
The early traditional style
Kachinas have bodies that are carved to approximate human proportions.
For example, the arms are usually at right angles and are pressed
against the body. A static kilt and sash resemble the lower part
of the body and the legs are usually short. The head however,
is carved and painted correctly to identify each specific Kachina.
These dolls exhibits a pronounced spirituality because of their
strong stylization and abstractness. For Clark, his Kachina carving
is less of an art form and more of a religious act.
Clark's natural paints are
very unique. They are thick and textured.
