Henry Naha
Cloud Maiden
10 1/4"
H with 3/8" base
The Cumulous Cloud Maiden
is the female counterpart of the Cumulous Cloud kachina and is
also very rarely carved. They are both sacred beings who represent
the cloud people - who the Hopi regard as their ancestors - hearing
their prayers and bringing them rain.
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.
His figures always have 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.
