"Chaveyo is one of the
more cosmopolitan kachinas. He is represented in nearly every
pueblo, but his original home was probably in the San Juan area
of New Mexico. However, for the Hopis his home is the San Francisco
Mountains, and he is the husband of Hahai-i Wuhti. The family
of Hahai-i Wuhti and Chaveyo are the Nataskas, the dreadful Sosoyok't.
Chaveyo is the Sergeant Snorkel
of the kachinas. Should any Hopi fail to meet his obligations
in community work or transgress the unspoken rules of conduct
for the village, Chaveyo will show him the error of his ways.
Chaveyo often appears with Soyoko on First Mesa buy can appear
for the same purpose anytime during the spring months. However,
he is usually seen in the Powamu or Palolokongti (Water Serpent
Dance) being badgered by the clowns who eventually will be soundly
whacked for their efforts.
This 'giant' kachina is a
favorite of kachina carvers and his irritable cantankerousness
usually shows in the dolls that represent him. Those who see
him for the first time at a kachina dance usually remember the
kachina with 'all those feathers and a sword.'"
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi Artist's
Documentary (27)
Alfred "Bo" Lomahquahu
was born at Keams Canyon, Arizona in April, 1964. He was raised
in the small Hopi village of Bacavi, high atop Third Mesa, in
Northern Arizona. He learned early the wisdom of accepting and
following his elder's counsel. Advice given him by one grandfather,
a Hopi medicine man, to travel and gain new experiences, was
particularly influential in the shaping of Alfred's life and
principles.
As a direct result of that
advice, he departed his homeland and attended a boarding school
in Riverside, California. After completion of his formal education,
Alfred joined the Marines, and for the next six years, he traveled
extensively. As he observed other cultures, Alfred developed
a deeper appreciation for the Hopi's simple way of life.
A short while after his return
to the States, an unfinished kachina was given to him to complete.
His first kachina was so well received that he decided to pursue
carving as his vocation. From that point, Alfred's destiny became
clear. Today his kachinas are still well received and admired
as evidenced by his numerous awards.
In each of his dolls, the
spiritual element is always present. Couples with that element,
Alfred does his utmost to give good form and outstanding physical
characteristics to each finished piece. He is always hopeful
that each of his kachinas will eventually grace a home where
good feelings abound, for the underlying purpose of the kachina
is to promote harmony.
Ten hour days are the norm
for Alfred, but he enjoys his "work" and is happy with
it. With each passing day, as he patiently toils, Alfred attempts
to instill those long ago, sage words of his grandfather, within
his own children.
Alfred continues to create
masterfully done pieces of art for an ever growing audience of
ardent fans, loyal supporters, and avid kachina collectors.
