Lawrence Dallas
Owl Hunter
w/ Deer
9 1/4"
H with 1/2" base
"The Great Horned Owl
[Mongwa] is best noted for his incessant war on the clowns.
As the clowns follow their usual pattern of un-Hopi-like behaviour,
a single silent figure will drift into one corner of the plaza
and watch these uncouth fellows."
"When the clowns next
appear, growing ever more boisterous in their actions, the Owl
again appears and hoots solemnly. With each appearance he gets
closer until he ends up talking with the clown chief who promptly
blames all misbehaviour on the other clowns."
"But at the last performance,
the Owl is joined by other Warrior Kachinas. They leap upon the
clowns, douse them with water, beat them vigorously with willow
switches or yucca blades, and leave them howling with remorse
in a pile in the middle of the plaza."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artist's Documentary (111)
Another characteristic of
the Owl is that of a messenger. He comes to warn the village
and to call them to repentance. Perhaps this is why he carries
on that way with the clowns - as a symbol. He comes to warn them
of the bad things that can happen if they are not living right.
This outstanding carving 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 Owl with his kill hefted over his right shoulder. Lawrence's
unique carving style shows through in this incredible piece.
The hunt is obviously only recently over, as the bright red color
of blood still shows on the neck of the deer and on the base
in a small pool below.
His bow and arrow rest safely
within the quiver.