Gene Dawahoya
White Ogre
(Wiharu)
11 1/2"
total height
The Wiharu functions in exactly
the same way as the Nataska, only it appears in white.
"The fearsome Nataska
always come as a pair. They accompany the Soyoko on their collection
trip and usually stand directly behind the member of the crew
who is bargaining with the relatives of the children.
"They make horrible noises,
dragging their saws [and knives, or whatever it may be] along
the side of the house or on the ground. All the while, they keep
up a steady stamping that makes the turtle-shell rattles on their
legs sound ominously.
"They are supposed to
be able to eat a child whole; from the very earliest age, the
child has heard stories of these monsters - how they would descend
on children playing near the village and haul them away to cook
and eat. So it is no wonder that the children are petrified at
their actual appearance!
"Usually only dark colored
clothes are put on this kachina pair, who should have horns.
The feather fan is made of turkey feathers which are placed close
together to form a large mass behind the head that makes the
figures appear much taller and broader."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artists Documentary (78)
Gene C. Dawahoya, "Lapan-Hyeoma",
(Icicle), member of the Bear Strap Clan (rope made of bear hide),
was born into the Hopia nation in 1963. Gene is a self taught
Hopi kachina carver. He was inspired artistically to experiment
with wood carving at the age of 13.
Gene specializes in Hopi kachinas
hand carved out of cottonwood root. Gene enjoys carving warrior
kachinas because it reminds him of his great ancestors, at a
time when life was simple. Kachinas are of great importance to
Gene, along with all other Hopi people.
There are over 300 kachinas
in existence and each has its own place within the Hopi nation.
The Hopi believe Kachinas are supernatural beings and are often
used in religious ceremonies. The impelling force of the Hopi
religion is the necessity for water in all forms such as rain,
snow and drinking water from the springs. Kachinas also provide
hope for the Hopi Villages.
Gene signs his kachina dolls:
Gene Dawahoya, Hopi, followed by a description of the doll. Gene
is related to: Beauford Dawahoya, Nuvadi Dawahoya (brothers),
and Clyde Harris (son).
