Lauren Honyouti
Red Tail
8 3/4"
H w/ 1 1/4" base
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.
This figure is referred to
as a "Red Tail," but there is some confusion about
the its actual identity. It most closely resembles the Mountain
Lion kachina in its appearance - moreso than any other figure,
but it does have similar markings to the Palakwayo, or
Red Tail Hawk kachina.
The more common Red Tail Hawk,
however, is depicted in a fashion similar to that of the Kwahu
or Eagle Dancer - with wings spread wide and the beak and other
characteristics of a bird.
Still, this figure differs
from the Mountain Lion, who it looks so much like, in that it
has different face markings, body paint, and dress.
