Lawrence Dallas
Kokopelli
Mana
He Loves Me...
4 3/4"
total height
The Kokopelli is a world-renowned
figure who's origin and purpose have been argued by every group
who has ever claimed him. Still the most consistent record lies
in the unadulterated legends of the Hopi culture. (no pun intended!)
He has been referred to as
a flute player, a rain god, a trickster, a traveler, a musician,
the hump-back, a fertility god, and so on. His appearance suggests
many of these things at different times.
Among the Hopi, he is only
a flute player when he borrows a flute to dance. The hump on
his back is thought to be a satchel full of seeds - for he is
a planter, and with him usually comes life and abundance. The
Springtime is often associated with the Kokopelli because of
the new growth and appearance of flowers.
Legends have recorded the
Kokopelli as a sexual figure who not only brings blessings to
the crops but also leaves the villages full of new mothers. All
in all, he represents fertility. And he has certainly left his
mark, as he can be found in the cultures of South and Central
America, as well as all of the other tribes of the Southwest.
Some have said that the flute
that seems to appear in his hands is actually a planting stick
which he uses to burry the seeds from inside his pack.
As his female counterpart,
Kokopell Mana, she has pothook eyes and white dots above
them which represent falling rain.
This charming figure was created
by Hopi master carver Lawrence Martin Dallas. Lawrence's work
is very much in demand and his pieces are true works of art.
He was born in 1969 in Moencopi, Arizona. He usually carves small
dolls and lets the wood tell him what to make. He likes to carve
Long Hair Kachinas and the Crow Mother.
Lawrence Dallas is featured
in many books, including: "Kachina Doll Carving" by
Erik Bromberg and is prominently featured in: "Hopi Kachina
Dolls and Their Carvers" by Theda Bassman on pages 30-33.
Lawrence has signed the doll
with his hallmark: "L Dallas" on top of the base.
This particular piece features
the Kokopelli Mana plucking petals from a sunflower as she counts
the ways her suitor loves her.
