K514 Crow Mother and Baby
Crow Mother and Baby by Hopi carver, Adrian Poleahla. The 12” x 3 1/2” x 3 1/2” kachina is on a 5” x 6” x 2 1/4” free form base. Carved from cottonwood root in the traditional Hopi manner. ca 2006
The Mother of All Kachinas, the Crow Mother (Angwusnasomtaka) is a figure of great dignity. She appears on all three mesas, usually in connection with the initiation of the children, although she also appears on other occasions. At the initiation rites she descends into the kiva bearing a large number of yucca blades bound together at the base.
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About the artist
Adrian Poleahla
Adrian Poleahla is a fine kachina carver, noted for his detailed and realistic figures, often "caught" in action. He has also been able to adapt his level of detail to some small paintings as well.
Adrian Poleahla was born in Keams Canyon, Arizona, and comes from the Corn and Water Clan. He is an accomplished Kachina carver who has been carving Kachinas over thirty years, starting at the age of 5. He learned carving from his father, John Poleahla, and brothers Irwin, Wayne, Shona, and John Jr. Adrian carves his dolls in the traditional material of cottonwood with precision detail and three dimensional attention to every surface and angle.
ARTIST STATEMENT:
“Every Kachina I do is what I’ve seen in life so therefore I try to make every one real. I have been carving since I was 5 years old. I am very grateful for my talent and for those whose heart my Kachinas have
touched.”
AWARDS/EXHIBITIONS:
… Heard Museum, Phoenix, Arizona
… Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology, Bristol, Rhode Island
… Intertribal Ceremonial, Gallup New Mexico
PUBLICATIONS:
… The Hopi Approach to the art of Kachina Doll Carving, Eric Bromberg
… Hopi Katsina 1600 Artist Biographies, Gregory Schaaf
