Great Horned Owl Kachina
by Raynard Lalo, Hopi
cottonwood, leather, feathers, pigment
12” h x 4.5” w x 3.25” d
*This old style kachina is meant to be hung on a wall
Mongwa (Great Horned Owl) Kachina, symbolizes intelligence and wisdom. The Hopi feel the Mongwa is very beneficial to agriculture, keeping their fields free of rodents. In addition to his duties protecting the crops, Mongwa attends the seasonal dances to help discipline the very mischievous Koshari (Clown) Kachinas. Considered sorcerers, the Mongwa are the leaders of the Warrior Katsinam.
Raynard Lalo was born in 1984 in Hotevilla (Third Mesa), and has been an active carver since 1998. Raynard is the son of Dorleen Gashweseoma and Valjean Lalo, and brother of Gene Lalo. Raynard was inspired by the traditional carvings and began making them at age fifteen. He uses only natural earth pigments, crushed to a fine powder, in making his paints.
