Arnold Holmes is the son of
Arthur Holmes Sr., and brother to Arthur Jr. He is also very
talented as a carver, and his ability speaks for itself in this
incredible rendition of the Eagle Dancer kachina.
Many similarities can be seen
throughout the work of this family - including the amazing detail
in the hands and feathers. Arnold's work is looking more and
more like Arthur's all the time.
We were very impressed with
this piece. The detail and proportion in the anatomy is amazing
in a piece of this size.
This dance is not as common
as it might have been at one time, and according to Barton Wright's
Kachinas: a Hopi Artist's Documentary, you might have
the satisfaction of occassionally seeing a performance "in
one of the night ceremonies in March or during the Powamu."
"Usually the personator
imitates the step or motion and cry of the eagle to absolute
perfection. There is evidence that this kachina was imported
into Zuni from the Hopi and is danced there in much the same
manner that it is at Hopi.
This may be why the Eagle
may appear during Pamuya on First Mesa with Zuni Kachinas."
(87)
