Gary Tso
Left-handed
9 1/2"
total height
We're very pleased to present
this terrific traditional kachina carving 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 Left Handed Kachina is
said by some to be derived from the Hualapai Nation, but other
Hopi attribute them to the Chemehuevi. He is called left handed
because his gear is reversed.
To draw an arrow from the
quiver he must use his right hand rather than his left as is
normal. The Kachina moves with strange bobbing and little choppy
steps. Despite his odd behavior, he is an excellent hunter.
"He is a favorite subject
for the carving of kachina dolls or the paiting of pictures,"
records Barton Wright.
The Left-handed kachina, Suy-ang-e-vif,
may act as a prompter in a dance or be found making odd little
bows and taking small mincing steps at the edge of a procession.
A great deal of the time he
has trouble with the Ho'-e when they appear in the same dance.
[When together], one of the usual pair keeps up a steady step
while the other points to evidence of [game] they are obviously
hunting.
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artist's Documentary (32)