Henry Naha
Aholi / Lieutenant
9" H
with 3/4" base
The Aholi & Eototo figures
are rarely carved because of their sacred natures. However, with
the demand by collectors increasing, more and more contemporary
and progressive artists are "pushing the envelope,"
by responding to that demand with new and unique works of art.
As highly spiritual figures,
the Eototo and Aholi represent the kachina chiefs, with the Aholi
representing the lieutenant.
The Eototo represents the
Village Chief, and is called "father" as the chief
of all kachinas. He appears throughout the year and always leads
- placing cornmeal on the ground in the shape of a raincloud.
The Aholi follows and places the end of his stick in the cloud,
marking the spot for rain to come.
Rare are these two are carved
seperately but here you have a single Aholi figure. This would
make a nice addition to any kachina collection.
Henry Naha is a well known carver
who specializes in detailed carvings.
Henry is of the Spider and
Lizard clans, and signs his dolls with his clan hallmark followed
by "H. Naha." His Navajo last name is Attakai, but
he takes the name of Naha as a result of his Hopi adoption and
cultural heritage.
He was taught be one of the
masters - Cecil Calnimptewa, who is his Hopi godfather; and was
the husband of Avonne Naha Attakai, also a talented carver.
He has been an active carver
for over 20 years and learned from others such as Denis Tewa
and Joseph Dallas.
The flow and motion of the
swaying necklace and and Hopi sash makes this piece stand out
especially. There is just so much feeling & emotion in the
stance of this figure.
Henry has really established
himself as a top-tier kachina carver - an expert.
The Kachina has been carved
from a single piece of cottonwood root. The only parts that have
been added are the smallest accents. Even the base is from the
single piece of cottonwood root.
What really sets this Kachina
doll apart is the amount of detail that Henry has shown in the
carving. Everywhere you look, there are fine details...like the
distinct markings on the hands, the way the red bandolier has
been carved away from the body, the different textures on the
sash and kilt and the detail of the fox skin.
The kilt has been carved and
shaded to give it a realistic appearance. The red belt and sash
are flowing at his side.
The doll has an excellent
stance and pose...which suggest great strength and pride. The
body proportions are perfect and the Kachina has well defined
musculature. The hands are extremely well carved with detailed
fingers and fingernails.
