Henry Naha
Buffalo Maiden
9 3/4"
H with 1/2" base
"This kachina may also
be referred to as Mosairu Mana. This is simply the Buffalo Maiden
Kachina who accompanies the Buffalo Kachina at dances in which
that Kachina appears.
"The tablet on her back
is a sun symbol surrounded by turkey feathers. She will carry
notched prayer sticks in both hands. Kachinas having lives, like
other Hopis, may have manas, such as wives, mothers and sisters,
who accompany them.
"Shungopavi, Second Mesa:
This Kachina appears only at First and Third Mesas and does not
appear at Second Mesa. She will use eagle tail feathers rather
than turkey tail feathers on her back's tablita."
- Ricks, J. Brent, et al., Kachinas:
Spirit Beings of the Hopi (140)
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.