My wife inherited two wooden figures from her grandmother, who worked as a nurse on reservations in the Southwest during the late 1970s and collected Native artwork during that period and afterward. Both figures are identified on their bases as “Colored Heheya” and appear to be signed by an artist named Delbert Charley (?). I have seen the phrase Colored Heheya associated with Hopi katsina tradition, but I do not want to assume that either the figures or the artist are Hopi. We would appreciate any help determining whether the figures appear connected with Hopi tradition, whether “Colored Heheya” is an appropriate identification, and whether Delbert Charley is a known artist from that period.
I don't know about among the Hopi, but think Charley is a common Navajo name. NA artisans drawing on traditions other than their own happens.
The Kuwan Heheya kachina is a traditional Hopi kachina. "Kuwan" means fancy, or colorful. He typically carries a rattle and feather, and wears a white kilt and blue boots. He appears during the Niman festival held on First Mesa, which works to bring rain during the corn growing season, and a good harvest. Symbols on his face and kilt are related to rain, harvest, and fertility. Your figures have the features of the Hopi kachina, but they appear to have been made by a Navajo carver. Kachinas are not a part of Navajo tradition, but Navajo carvers produce them for sale. Navajo figures tend to have more embellishments such as fur and leather, while the more traditional Hopi carvings may have yarn ruffs but not many other additions. I have not been able to find information about Delbert Charley, but as Bronwen notes it sounds like a Navajo name.
I found this Delbert Charley: Delbert Quebit Charley CHINLE, Ariz. - Services for Delbert Charley, 37, will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, at Christian Fellowship Church, Chinle. Artie Aragon will officiate. Burial will follow at family plot, Cottowood, Ariz. Charley died Dec. 23 in Gallup. He was born March 13, 1966, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, into the Salt People Clan for the Red Running into the Water People Clan.
2manybooks , got it covered !! I can't add much...... They are superb , and well cared for ........ Thanks Granny !!! ps. marote......i was having a traditional Chilean dinner , cooked by my wife !!!
,,,,,,,,after she helped me photo NWC artwork that no one has seen in over 30 years , and then slaved over a hot stove to feed her exhausted husband...... well yes , yes she is of the utmost importance !!!!!!!!..................
and collected Native artwork during that period and afterward. how long afterward???? to my eye , these are the work of a master artist , seasoned in his craft !!
