Henry Naha
Apache Scout
5 1/2"
H with 1" base
"The Apache Kachina is
a comic figure or caricature that may appear during the Kiva
Dances both early and late, or with the Soyohim later in the
year. A group of them frequently will appear in the Buffalo Dances
during the Kachina season.
"Their actions are usually
those that one would expect of Apaches on the warpath. They are
often used in conjunction with the clowns."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artist Documentary (145)
This fine Kachina was carved
by well known Hopi artist Henry Naha. Henry, an outstanding,
well respected carver who is a member of the Spider and Lizard
Clans, lives near Polacca, Arizona.
He was taught by one of the
masters - Cecil Calnimptewa, who is his Hopi godfather; and was
the husband of Avonne Naha, 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.
His figures always have an
excellent stance and pose suggesting great strength and pride.
The body proportions are in balance and the kachina has well
defined musculature. The hands are extremely well carved with
detailed fingers and fingernails.
He has signed the bottom of
the base: "H. Naha" along with a symbolic lizard, which
is his Clan symbol.
