George Pooley, Sakwa Hote (Blue A'hote) Katsina carving
George Pooley
1951-2009
Tewa (Hopi) / Diné (Navajo)
Alternative Name
George E. Pooley, G. Pooley, George Poley
Date
1989
Medium Specific
Cottonwood, paint
Classification
Sculpture: Wood
Dimensions
12 1/2 x 6 x 6 in. (31.8 x 12.7 x 15.2 cm.)
Accession Number
2025.35.28.70
Credit
Gift of Doris M. Lumsden
Memo / Artist Statement
A’hote may appear in any of the directional colors but the two most common are the Yellow A’hote (Sikyahote) or the Blue A’hote (Sakwahote). In a Plaza Dance it is not unusual to see a line of Sakwahote with several Sikyahote,and a white or red form as well. All indications in his costume point to inspiration from a Plains-type warrior, particularly the feather headdress and the bandoleer across his chest.
A’hote may appear in the Mixed Katsina Dances, or the Palölökong Dances and the Plaza Dance. These dances may be either Soyohim (Mixed Katsina Dances), where all of the dancers are different types of Katsinas, or they may be a dance where all of the Katsinas are the same—the Regular or Line Dance.
A’hote may appear in the Mixed Katsina Dances, or the Palölökong Dances and the Plaza Dance. These dances may be either Soyohim (Mixed Katsina Dances), where all of the dancers are different types of Katsinas, or they may be a dance where all of the Katsinas are the same—the Regular or Line Dance.
Biography
George Pooley, Hopi/Diné (Navajo), active 1970s-2009: Katsnia carvings, miniatures. George lived in Hotevilla, Third Mesa, AZ. He was the grandson of Poliveama; son of Clara and Emil Pooley; husband and father of two daughters. George Pooley learned to carve from his father, Emil Pooley. His work has earned numerous awards and included in several exhibitions. (Schaaf, G. 2008:254)
Inscription
G. Poley Sakwa Hote