K563 Buffalo Maiden
Buffalo Maiden by master Hopi carver Adrian Poleahla. The 9” x 3” x 3 1/2” kachina on a 1 1/2” base is carved from cottonwood root.
"This Kachina may also be referred to as Mosairu Mana. This is simply the Buffalo Maiden Kachina who accompanies the Buffalo Kachina at dances in which that Kachina appears.
"The tablet on her back is a sun symbol surrounded by turkey feathers. She will carry notched prayer sticks in both hands. Kachinas having lives, like other Hopis, may have manas, such as wives, mothers and sisters, who accompany them.
- Ricks, J. Brent, et al., Kachinas: Spirit Beings of the Hopi (140)
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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
