Hopi Kachina TAWA Sun Doll By Scott Secakuku

ca.  1997

18.125" H

Hand carved from Cottonwood Root Sculpture style with Flowing Lines with a Nicely Finished Base 1997 Second Mesa AZ

Excellent Condition

Private Estate Collection

Scott Secakuku is a renowned Hopi carver from Second Mesa, Arizona, known for his traditional yet detailed interpretations of Kachinas. He is part of a lineage of Hopi artists, with family ties to cultural preservation efforts. His works emphasize authenticity, blending ceremonial accuracy with artistic finesse. Secakuku has contributed to books and exhibits on Hopi art, including connections to Following the Sun and Moon: Hopi Kachina Tradition by Alph H. Secakuku (a relative or clan member), which features over 200 Kachina dolls with Hopi perspectives on their spiritual roles.

Also known as Tawa, the Sun Kachina is a representation of the spirit of the Sun, though he may on occasion be called the Sun Shield Kachina. He appears in a role very similar to that of Nakiachop or Talavai, standing to the side with a spruce tree in his left hand and a bell in his right. Also, he may appear in a Mixed Dance with the flute in his left hand that is associated with him in many myths.