Timothy Talawepi
Eototo at
Midnight
11 1/4"
H with 1/2" base
The Aholi & Eototo figures
are rarely carved because of their sacred natures. However, with
the demand by collectors increasing, more and more contemporary
and progressive artists are "pushing the envelope,"
by responding to that demand with new and unique works of art.
As highly spiritual figures,
the Eototo and Aholi represent the kachina chiefs, with the Aholi
representing the lieutenant.
The Eototo represents the
Village Chief, and is called "father" as the chief
of all kachinas. He appears throughout the year and always leads
- placing cornmeal on the ground in the shape of a raincloud.
The Aholi follows and places the end of his stick in the cloud,
marking the spot for rain to come.
Rare are these two are carved
seperately but here you have a single Eototo figure. This would
make a nice addition to any kachina collection.
Another special aspect of
this carving is its unique color and shading. Timothy said he
was trying to depict how the Eototo looks just after emerging
from the Kiva - high on the mesa-top with the full moon light
shining down. He has appropriately called it "Eototo at
Midnight."
Timothy Talawepi was born
February 6th, 1967 to Charles Talawepi and Marianne Tenakhongva.
Timothy is self-taught but learned a lot from watching his father.
He also gives credit to Hopi
carver, Brian Honyouti, who helped him perfect his art.
Timothy is married to Rosemary. Rosemary’s father, Kenneth
Pavenyouma is well known also for his Kachina carving.
Timothy’s favorite Kachina
to carve is the Blue Chasing Star Kachina. He was featured in
Arizona Highway’s “A New Generation of Indian Artists”
issue November 1992. He also was “Hopi Carver of the Year”
at the Sedona Hopi show.
Timothy has done an excellent
job of capturing this unique kachina. His ability to give "life"
to his work is evident in the posture and proportion of the figure.
Having carved this figure entirely from one piece (with the exception
of the accessory items), Timothy has truly completed another
great kachina.
Every detail has been accounted
for: the delicate feathers on top of the head, as well as the
ruff around the neck, and the items in his hands. Even the fingers
and knuckles have a stark sense of realism.
