Lauren Honyouti
Buffalo Kachina
Mosairu
9 3/4"
H with 2" base
"One of the functions
of this Kachina is to bring the cold. He also serves the overall
function of prayers for good health, good crops, and a good harvest.
This kachina appears most frequently in the winter months, at
the beginning of the Kachina season.
"He has been known to
dance in the night Kachina dances in the kivas primarily, yet
he has also been known to appear in plaza dances with the mixed
Kachinas. He usually carries a lightning stick and a rattle with
stars painted on it. He is a contemporary kachina.
"Known as the Cold Weather
Man; he comes to help with/for a good hunt; at Oraibi, he wears
white leggings; at Shungopavi, he wears yellow leggings and requires
a shirt."
- J. Brent Ricks, et al., Kachinas:
Spirit Beings of the Hopi (2)
Lauren Honyouti is a well
known carver from a family of well known carvers. His brothers
include Ronald and Brian Honyouti, whose works have received
prestigious recognition as well.
Lauren, the middle brother
of the five Honyouti boys, started carving full time in the early
1980's. After returning home from living in the Phoenix area
since high school and working with a local utility company.
He would come home for vacations
and ceremonies and would carve with his youngest brother, Ronald,
watching and learning. Finally after encouragement from family
members and others, he decided to return back home.
Lauren now carves full time
and is involved with family and community ceremonial activities.
His work is seen in galleries throughout the country and does
several shows with the rest of the Honyouti family.
