Palhik Mana - Water Maiden
by Vern Mahkee & Alvin James Sr. "Makya"

24" Total Height w/ 2" Base (Reg. Gallery Price: $10,000.00) Special Offer: $7,500.00 (plus applicable shipping and handling fees) we recommend customer pick up piece when possible SOLD

Vern Mahkee was born November 13, 1963 and resides in Oraibi, at Third Mesa. He is a member of the Corn Clan. Vern is a self-taught artist. He learned the art of carving by watching his numerous artistic relatives, like his uncle, the famed Kachina carver Alvin James Makya, and taught himself their methods as well as developing his own. He has won awards in such prestigious shows as the Santa Fe Indian Market. Vern¹s Hopi name is Kuwanwisiwima.

Vern Mahkee first carved Kachinas as a means of carrying on a religious rite. He began carving the dolls for sale and entering shows in 1979. Since that time he has developed a reputation for ultra-fine detail, as well as beautiful balance in his Kachinas.

This particular piece is especially impressive and meaningful. It was a piece started by Vern's uncle, Alvin James Sr. (who was also called "Makya"). But when Alvin passed away suddenly, the piece halted and remained in Vern's care. Prior to this year's Indian Market in Santa Fe, Vern felt inspired to finish the piece in honor of Alvin. The base features both of their names. This is a special piece for any serious collector, as it was the last that Alvin James Sr. ever worked on.

Still, the artistic merit speaks for itself. Standing 24" tall, this Palhik Mana or Water Maiden (also called the Butterfly Maiden) gracefully raises her eyes toward the sun in supplication for the rain that they so desperately need. In her hands are pahos, or prayer feathers, taken from the Golden Eagles native to their land. Perhaps this piece is most appropriate as a last for Alvin, since the spirits of the departed return as cloud people who answer the prayers of their people by bringing moisture. His spirit and legacy will forever remain captured in this last great work.

True to form, Vern has elaborated very meticulously upon every detail. For the most part, it is his creation - with Alvin's contribution being mostly in terms of the size, selection, and shape of the figure. Take special note of everything from the delicately ribbed eagle feathers adorning her headdress to the natural folds in her shawl. Vern has intricately depicted the stitching and seams with realism unparalleled. Be sure to view the detailed close-ups in order to appreciate this masterpiece!

Palhik Mana: The Palhik Mana, or Butterfly Maiden, is one of the most popular kachinas in the Hopi carvers' repertoire. This beautifully dressed figure is not really a kachina, but rather a woman's dance personage.

Women who appear in the Mamzrau Initiation Dance are called the Palhik' Manas. They are never masked except on Third Mesa, although they all appear to be when carved as dolls. The carvings typically include an elaborate tableta including butterfly and corn symbols.