Ed Seechoma
Nataska
10 1/2"
head to toe
13" to tip of feathers
"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
Artist's Documentary (78)
Ed Seechoma is from the village
of Hotevilla at Third Mesa and is a well known carver, proficient
in both the traditional and contemporary methods. In fact, his
action oriented carvings can take years to complete and often
fetch thousands of dollars.
His traditional carvings are
also highly sought after for many reasons. Ed is one of the few
carvers who adheres to the "old" methods - using antique
horseshoe files, all-natural pigments, and of course hand-tying
all his feathers.
