Raynard “Tawma” Lalo is Spider Clan from the Hopi village of Hotevilla, born in 1984. He is the son of Valjean Lalo and Dorlene Gashweseoma. Tawma began carving as a teenager and specializes in traditional or “Old Style” Kachina dolls. Tawma uses all natural pigments or minerals found locally near the Hopi villages.
His father, Valjean, is one of the last weavers of ceremonial sashes, kilts, and shirts made of cotton. His mother, Dorleen, is one of the finest basket weavers who creates many ceremonial baskets for the tribe.
In more recent years, Tawma began creating jewelry from a collection of stones left to him from his grandfather. He has since continued to refine his jewelry-making skills, specializing in beautiful bead necklaces and earrings. Tawma has also begun learning the art of Hopi overlay. He is a man of many talents!