Duane Hyeoma
Warrior Maiden
8" H
with 1/4" base
"Hé-é-e
or Hé'wuhti may be seen in Powamu celebrations
most years, but it is at the Pachavu ceremonies that Hé-é-e
is seen in her most impressive appearance. This kachina is
the Warrior Maid, based on the story of a young girl.
Many years ago, tradtion says
that some Hopis were living outside the main village, and the
mother of this household was putting up her daughter's hair.
The mother had finished only one side of the hair whorls, the
hair on the other side still hanging loosely, when they saw enemies
sneaking toward the village.
The daughter snatched up a
bow, quiver, and arrows from the wall and raced toward the village
to warn the people. She then led the defense until the men in
the fields could return and rout the enemy.
She has been personated ever
since as a kachina and always appears with her hair partially
up on one side and hanging down on the other. On the back of
her head she wears an artificial scalp lock, and she carries
the weapons she snatched up so long ago. She still guards the
village."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artist's Documentary (57)
Duane Hyeoma is the son of
Ione Talyumptewa Hyeoma of First Mesa. He is Deer Clan. He has
been carving for about 14 years. He learned from Franklin Sahmea,
and his uncle Don Talyumptewa. He is now 34 years old.
Duane has been carving Kachina
dolls and perfecting his skills since he was a teenager. His
work is consistent in its high action and details, and he has
won several awards in judged competitions.
Duane is comfortable with
most all of the different kachinas and does not seem to exhibit
a preference to one Kachina over another as do some of the carvers.
He occasionally signs his work with just his middle name.
