Lee Grover
Nataska
12" H
with 3/4" base
"The fearsome Nataska
always come as a pair. They accompany the Soyoko on their collection
trip and usually stand directly behind the member of the crew
who is bargaining with the relatives of the children.
"They make horrible noises,
dragging their saws [and knives, or whatever it may be] along
the side of the house or on the ground. All the while, they keep
up a steady stamping that makes the turtle-shell rattles on their
legs sound ominously.
"They are supposed to
be able to eat a child whole; from the very earliest age, the
child has heard stories of these monsters - how they would descend
on children playing near the village and haul them away to cook
and eat. So it is no wonder that the children are petrified at
their actual appearance!
"Usually only dark colored
clothes are put on this kachina pair, who should have horns.
The feather fan is made of turkey feathers which are placed close
together to form a large mass behind the head that makes the
figures appear much taller and broader."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Lee has done a nice job with
this piece - and we recommend him as "one to watch."
His kachinas are at a nice price and will likely only continue
to improve and increase in value.
Lee Grover is from First Mesa,
Tewa Village (Hano). He is in his early 30's and has been carving
since his youth (12-14 years). He enjoys carving Owls, Left Handed
kachinas, and Bears. He puts a lot of detail into his work which
have been recognized as "nice, clean dolls."
