Ahola - Leo Lacapa, Hopi Katsina Doll
The Ahola is a chief kachina of very high order. He is considered an elder and a very wise chief. The Ahola appears at the Powamu ceremony to open the beginning of the Kachina season. The Ahola brings prayers for a long and healthful life.
The Ahola and Ahola Mana go from house to house, making their appearance. On the outside walls of each home, the Ahola draws four horizontal marks with corn meal. The women inside the house come out and sprinkle the Ahola with cornmeal and at the same time take some corn seeds from the Ahola Mana's basket.
The two leave and go to the kiva entrance and face each other. He holds his staff out for support and strength and bends his right knee and continues kneeling in rhythmic motion. He calls out to the kiva chief and the two discuss the arrival of the Kachinas for the year.
The Ahola wears a round case mask that is painted yellow and blue with an inverted black triangle above the down turned beak. There are many stars near where the eyes would be and the triangle is outlined in black and white.
A wide fan of feathers encircles the mask perpendicularly and there is a grouping of small turkey feathers in back. He wears a fur ruff and a carved turquoise necklace. He also wears a white ceremonial kilt, held in place by a red belt and ceremonial sash. He also wears highly detailed white leggings and ceremonial blue moccasins.
The Ahola carries a ceremonial staff in his left hand, decorated with evergreen branches and topped with a pair of carved Bahos (prayer feathers). There is also a grouping of turkey feathers tied to the base of the staff, in an inverted conical manner. In his right hand he carries a Mongko and a sacred ear of corn. Only a chief Kachina of importance carries the Mongko and when he dies, these items are buried with him.
Leo Lacapa was born in 1969 into the Corn/Water Clan, and presently resides in Walpi, First Mesa, AZ. He was taught carving by his uncle, Maxwell Lacapa and has been actively pursuing his talent since about 1984.
Leo is known for his accurate presentations and is a favorite with collectors. His accuracy springs from his frequent participation in Katsina ceremonies.
Ref.: www.ancientnations.com
Item No.: KD.0008
Artist: Leo Lacapa
Size: 11 3/4 in H
Price: 1,100
