Hano Maiden and Family is 13” tall and carved from Cottonwood root. The Maiden is holding a small Hano Maiden. Two carvings of Hopi pottery are on the base beside the Maiden. ca 2011
A Hano Maiden (Tewa Maiden) is given to Tewa girls in the same manner Hahai-i Whuti is given to the Hopi girls. Even among the Hopi, it is a favorite first gift to the children.
The carver, Adrian Poleahla, from Old Oraibi, is of the Corn and Water Clan. “Every Kachina I carve is what I’ve seen in real life, so therefore I try to make each one real.”
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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
