Arthur Holmes
Jr.
Kachin Mana
15" total
height
This particular kachina, carved
by renowned artist Arthur Holmes Jr. is a masterfully carved
Kachin Mana. It is unique in that it incorporates the
views of the Kachin Mana, held by each different mesa.
This Mana is a combination of both the First and Second Mesa
styling's, making it a very unusual kachina. It is rare to have
the Second and First Mesa styling seen in the same rendition.
In the Hopi Culture, women
are very highly esteemed. The Kachin Manas and Hano
Manas represent womanhood and its beauty. This particular
Mana is carved with more detail than just about any other kachina
that we've seen before. Each line of hair is carved to a fine,
delicate strand. The motion created by the artist will almost
bring this kachina to life.
The Kachin' Mana comes
during the Niman ceremony, or Home Dance. She is usually
accompanied by the Snow Maiden and the Hemis kachina.
She is featured here with
a gourd, a bone scapula, and a wooden rasp in her right hand.
With these, she will make the recognizable sounds that accompany
the kachinas into the plaza. Bean sprouts protrude from the pottery
cradled in her left arm.
Arthur Holmes Jr. is the son
of well-known Hopi carver, Arthur Holmes Sr. Both have received
recognition for their superb work in kachina carving. Highly
sought after by collectors, both Arthur Jr. and his father keep
busy producing some of the finest carvings available.
Their work can only be found
in the most discriminating collections, galleries, and museums
around the world. Arthur has truly caught his father's vision
for realistic contemporary kachina carving.
As a Hopi Kachina carver,
Arthur Holmes, Jr. has often found that the pieces he carves,
will become what they want to become. Every aspect of this piece
is detailed to the extreme. We took special notice of the hands
and fingernails.
Arthur Holmes, Jr. is considered
to be one of the best, if not the best, high-end Katsina
carver of our time. His work is a collector's dream because of
the exquisite detail he is known for. Arthur Jr. is a very quiet
person who enjoys carving in seclusion. He keeps his surroundings
surreal, breath taking, and relaxing, creating most of his carvings
in the out-doors. This allows him to feel at one with nature,
and allows him to relax as he creates each masterpiece.
Arthur was taught by his father,
who is very proud of his son, and is pleased with the level of
talent that he has developed. He feels that his son has surpassed
his own work and is very proud of this.
The work of Arthur Holmes
Jr., speaks for itself. Although Arthur Jr. has not entered himself
into many juried competitions, which some say he would easily
win, his work is known throughout the carving and collecting
community, as "elite".
If you're looking to add an
excellent example by one of the living-masters - here's your
chance.
