Aaron J. Fredericks
Gift of Life
(Stylized
Hand Sculpture with Corn, Kachinas, Flowers, and Butterflies)
24" total
height
Featured within this elaborate
sculptural masterpiece is one of the most pervasive of all kachinas
- the Angak-china, or Longhair.
The Long-haired Kachina "is
danced from the Rio Grande to the Hopi Mesas in almost the same
form. Among the Hopis there are many varieties but the regular
Angak'china is the one portrayed here.
"They appear in a group
and sing a very melodious song which may be one of the reasons
that they are such favorites. They are often used for the Niman
Kachina on First Mesa coming with the Kocha Mana. In fact they
have danced in late August on First Mesa in direct contradiction
to the feeling that only Masau'u can be danced out of season.
Probably this was due to the presence of the Tewa people who
do not have a closed kachina season.
"Their purpose is to
bring rain, and it is said that they seldom dance without the
appearance of a soft gentle rain to help the crops grow."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artists Documentary (172)
As with all of Aaron's kachinas,
this piece is masterfully detailed with superb painting and shading.
It has been carved primarily from one piece.
It stands a total of 24"
tall. The base has also been intricately detailed as a stone
pueblo village surrounds the sculpture.
One of the most appealing
aspects of Aaron's work is the detail he puts into the overall
carving. Not only is the figure itself well carved, with meticulous
attention to the subtle textures and delicate painting, but there
is always additional symbolism and other meaningful Hopi motifs
depicted throughout.
This piece brings a variety
of sacred Hopi emblems together. It has a very delicate and spiritual
feel.
The hand reaching toward heaven
holds an ear of Hopi corn - often referred to as the mother
corn in this variety. To the Hopi, corn is life. Without
water and without corn, there would be no survival in this remote
country.
Ceremonial turkey feathers
appear rising up the back side of the sculpture, combined with
the majestic tail feathers of the parrot.
A beautiful series of flowers
also winds its way up the side, featuring roses and others. A
graceful butterfly rests gently within the safety of the blossoms,
while blending with the colorful breast feathers of the parrot.
The base also features the
Kachin' Mana, and other abstract Hopi designs - as well as other
Hopi flat dolls.
All of these symbols come
together as a prayer of thanks for the gift of life.
Aaron J. Fredericks is a younger
carver whose work has rapidly reached the top of its category.
He consistently does well at juried competitions including Santa
Fe's Indian Market, the Heard Museum's Indian Art Show, and others.
His work can be found in the most discriminating collections.
He is a traditional carver
from the village of Shungopavi at Second Mesa. He enjoys working
on his dolls, and gets a lot of inspiration from his cultural
heritage. His wife also encourages his work and shares in the
creative process by suggesting colorful themes seen throughout
his work.
