Raymond Naha
Heheya
10 1/2"
total height
The Heheya kachina has no
English name or translation. Heheya Kachinas are most often seen
on Third Mesa and act as messengers to the rain gods. The Heheyas
dance on the side of the procession and guard the other dancers.
He talks in opposites...for instance, if the dance is good, he
says it is bad.
Heheyas are easily recognized
by the vertical red, yellow and blue zigzag lines on the sides
of the mask. The pothook eyes are black, outlined in red and
the mouth is a similar pothook style. The case mask is painted
yellow and there is a grouping of red chili peppers on top of
the mask. He has red tab ears and he wears a black and white
cloth ruff.
He wears a sheepskin tunic
draped over his right shoulder and he also wears a folded black
breechclout underneath. He has knitted leggings with straps and
red moccasins.
Ray Naha Jr. is the son of
the famous Hopi painter Raymond Naha; his mother is a well known
Hopi potter (Emma Naha), while his older brother Marty is known
for his pottery and kachinas, and younger brother Shannon is
following closely in Ray Jr.'s footsteps with some incredible
old-style kachinas of his own.
These two brothers are among
the most popular old-style carvers at Hopi. Their work is very
elaborate and authentic. They take a lot of pride in each piece
- hand tying every feather, and using only the best materials.