Gary Tso
Cactus / Yung'a
14 1/4"
total height
We're very pleased to present
this terrific traditional Cactus (or Yung'a) 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.
The Cactus kachina, or Yung'a,
derives its name from the Spanish word for prickly pear, tuna.
According to Barton Wright, however, "there is just as much
reason to believe that this word, yung'a, is an old Hopi word.
"As a kachina, he appeared
just prior to the turn of the century and was personated only
a few times on First Mesa. He has been perpetuated more through
the use of dolls rather than in dances.
"His function on Third
Mesa was to insure the cleaning of springs, but on First Mesa
he seems to have appeared primarily in the Soyohim.
-Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artist's Documentary (146)
