Henry Naha
Deer Dancer
12" H
with 1" base
The Deer Dancer takes part
in the popular plaza kachina dances. According to Kachinas by
Barton Wright "he has power over the rain, and of course,
when he dances, he is a prayer for increase of deer.
"Usually when a group
of these dancers appear they are accompanied by a Wolf or Mountain
Lion Kachina as a side dancer. Presumably the first Deer Kachinas
were brought from Awatovi, which may be correct as they retain
a strong Rio Grande appearance.
"The position that this
kachina usually assumes when he dances is that of bending forward
at the waist and resting the front part of the body upon the
short stick that is carried in his hands."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artists Documentary (166)
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.