The pantheon of Hopi spirits and gods is represented by kachinas, often mistakenly referred to as dolls. Used as teaching aids in pueblos, these intricately carved figures are not regarded as playthings. Like the dancers in religious ceremonies, kachinas celebrate the spirit world of Native Americans. Art has always been a part of my heritage and family, says Mike Duwyenie. I started by drawing sketches of kachinas with my father, a well-known artist, when I was six and eventually began carving. Artistic influences also included Duwyenie's mother, a traditional basket weaver, and his brother, Preston, an important potter. When the teenager attended Sherman Indian High School in Riverside, California, he had the opportunity to become involved with different manifestations of Native American art. (One of four off-reservation boarding schools affiliated with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, this institution encourages students to experience cultures from approximately 24 different states.)
Duwyenie's intricately carved kachinas have won numerous awards and been exhibited in shows throughout Arizona and California. His creations are on permanent display at the Yuma International Airport as well as in Switzerland.
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