Lean Monongye
Laguna Gambler
13 1/2"
H with 2 3/4" base
The Laguna Gambler is also
known as the "Laguna Corn Kachina". This kachina represents
the people of the "Laguna Pueblo". The Hopi believe
that there are also kachina deities representing other tribes,
as the Laguna Gambler does in this case.
For example, the Zuni Butterfly
Kachina and Zuni Kachina, are Hopi Kachinas which are believed
to represent the Zuni Tribe. The Hopi Tasap and Tasaf Kachinas
represent the Navajo Tribe. Just as these tribes are represented
by their Kachinamen, the Laguna Gambler is the same for the people
of the Laguna Pueblo.
The Laguna Gambler is found
carrying a game hoop, which is decorated with a feather, and
he will also carry a ceremonial flower. This particular kachina
which Lean has beautifully crafted, is a version which is not
seen as often as the Gambler who looks like a Corn Dancer. This
is somewhat of a rare kachina that is not seen everyday.
A great piece for any collection,
especially if you're looking for a kachina which most do not
have.
Lean Monongye is a young carver,
probably in his early thirties, from Third Mesa. He is the younger
brother of Von Monongye, a world-class and highly celebrated
carver in years past.
His work is very distinct,
and he is well known for his smooth finish and fine detail. Generally
Lean tries to incorporate additional details into the base of
each doll. Although ocassionally he leaves them plain to bring
out the detail of the carving itself.
He is one of our personal
favorites, and I have yet to see a kachina by Lean that I wouldn't
like to have in my own collection. I feel that his work is upper-middle
tier and still represents a good value as an artist with a lot
of potential.
His hallmark is the traditional
way in which he carves his figures. He almost never uses a dremmel
tool, and prefers straight blades and pocket knives - thereby
adhering more closely to his tradition.
