Hopi Talavai Katsina, Morning Kachina Doll by Alfred Lomahquahu

This Talavai (Morning) Katsina by the acclaimed Hopi carver Alfred Lomahquahu is a striking testament to masterful artistry and technical precision. Carved traditionally from cottonwood root and finished with a sophisticated blend of oil paints and stains, the figure possesses a remarkable depth of color and lifelike texture.

Alfred Lomahquahu is renowned for his ability to imbue wood with a sense of fluid motion. This piece is distinguished by several intricate elements.
The elegantly draped cape and the fox tail at the back add a sense of character and weight, suggesting a figure caught in a moment of ceremonial grace.

A highlight of this carving is the highly detailed spruce tree held in the Katsina's hand — a difficult element to carve with such precision. The green ruff around the neck and the delicate oil-based pigments evoke the soft, shifting light of the early morning.

The Talavai, or Morning Katsina, is a beloved figure in Hopi culture, embodying the promise of renewal, growth, and the arrival of a new day.
Historically, the Talavai appeared in pairs on the rooftops of the village at dawn. They would sing melodious songs to awaken the community. While they no longer perform this specific rooftop role, they remain vital participants in the Powamu (Bean Dance) Ceremony, often standing to the side of the main procession to offer their silent, morning blessing.

The Talavai is instantly recognizable by the impressive fan of eagle feathers adorning his mask. In his hands, he carries a symbolic bell to "wake" the spirit world and a spruce tree, which represents the forest and the moisture necessary for life. The painted patterns on his cheeks and his feathered headdress echo the colors of the horizon as the sun begins to rise.

Lomahquahu's work is highly sought after because he manages to bridge the gap between traditional representation and modern artistic finesse. This Morning Katsina is not just a carving; it is a narrative piece that carries the history of the Hopi dawn into the present.

Born in Keams Canyon, Arizona, in April 1964, Alfred "Bo" Lomahquahu was raised in the serene Hopi village of Bacavi, perched atop Third Mesa. He absorbed early the profound wisdom of respecting and heeding his elders. A particularly influential directive came from his grandfather, a Hopi medicine man, who urged him to explore beyond his homeland and embrace new experiences.

Following this counsel, Lomahquahu ventured to Riverside, California, for his education. Upon completion, he enlisted in the Marines, embarking on a six-year global journey that deepened his appreciation for the simplicity and harmony of Hopi life.

Upon his return, a chance encounter with an unfinished katsina ignited his artistic path. The enthusiastic reception of his completed piece solidified his decision to pursue carving professionally. Today, his katsinas continue to garner admiration and accolades, a testament to his exceptional talent.

Infused with spiritual essence, each of Lomahquahu's dolls is meticulously crafted to embody both aesthetic beauty and profound cultural significance. He aspires for his katsinas to reside in homes filled with positive energy, reflecting their inherent purpose of promoting harmony. [Schaaf, 2008]

What is a Katsina?

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Hopi Talavai Katsina, Morning Kachina Doll by Alfred Lomahquahu is from the estate of the Adobe Gallery client to whom we sold this in 1990.

Reference: Hopi Katsina: 1,600 Artist Biographies by Gregory and Angie Schaaf

TAGS: Hopi Pueblo, Katsina Dolls, Alfred Lomahquahu