Aaron J. Fredericks
Left-handed
Hunter
11 1/2"
total height
7 1/2" head
to toe
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. Incidentally, Lowell happens to be left-handed
and has adopted the Left-handed kachina as his mascot.
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)
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 usually around
the bases of his work.
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, except for the bow
in the right hand. The detailed relief carving in this piece
is incredible. Even the feather on the top of the head connects
with the tree limb above.
Aaron always pays close attention
to the accoutrements carried by the kachina. Notice the leather
pouch dangling from the belt, and behind that is strapped a beaded
knife sheath. The bandolier and arrow satchel is also detailed
very impressively.
This is one of the great strengths
that shows through in Aaron's carving because he is directly
involved in the culture and is able to witness firsthand the
characteristics of the acutal kachina figures that he creates.
It stands a total of 11 1/2"
tall and measures 7 1/2" from the feet to the top of the
head. The base has also been intricately detailed as the kachina
stands atop rocky ground with wild flowers sprouting out, and
the old, gnarled tree rises up behind him.
One of the most appealing
aspects of Aaron's work is the detail he puts into the overall
carving. Not only is the kaching 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.
Take a closer look at the
photos and let this masterful carving speak for itself!
