Henry Naha
Velvet Shirt
16" H
with 3/4" base
The Velvet Shirt, or Navan
Kachina, "is a comparatively recent kachina as it seems
to have originated in Moenkopi sometime after 1900. He is one
of the more colorful kachinas in a regular kachina dance with
his bright ribbons and flowers. He may also appear in Kiva Dances.
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artist's Documentary (191)
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.