Thomas Fredericks
Velvet Shirt
11 1/2"
H incl. 1 1/4" base
The Velvet Shirt, or Navan
Kachina, "is a comparatively recent kachina as it seems
to have originated in Moenkopi sometime after 1900. He is one
of the more colorful kachinas in a regular kachina dance with
his bright ribbons and flowers. He may also appear in Kiva Dances.
"
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artist's Documentary (191)
Thomas Fredericks is from
Third Mesa. Born in Phoenix Arizona in April of 1973. Raised
in Phoenix with frequent visits to the Hopi Reservation with
his parents thus exposing him to his Hopi culture. After graduation
from High School, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during
the 1st Gulf War aboard the aircraft carrier the U.S.S. Independence.
After being honorable discharged
he entered the restaurant business and worked until becoming
interested in his fathers (Johns) work. First helping to sand
carvings and helping at the art shows. He carving on his own,
eventually carving well enough to begin selling his own work.
Through practice, trial and
error and hard work he has established his own style and customer
base. He continues to perfect his own art while he grows to maintain
and learn his traditional and cultural identity, he is also the
proud father of 3 children, Aeneas, Andrew and Annabelle. Fredericks
