Henry Naha
Morning Kachina
8 1/4"
total height
The Early Morning Kachina
(Talavai) is also noted as the Silent Kachina, even though it
sings. It appears in pairs in the village, singing songs from
the rooftops, waking people in the early morning. During the
Bean Dance and other ceremonies it dances with other Kachinas
and stands to one side of the procession. Occasionally they sing
as they stand holding their spruce tree and ringing their bell.
The most distinguishing characteristic
of the Talavai Kachina is the Spruce tree he carries in his left
hand. He wears a blue case mask with rectangular black eyes.
He has red tab ears with small shell earrings. Cloud symbols
are on his cheeks and he has a red tubular mouth. He also wears
a Douglas Fir ruff and a large fan of black tipped feathers across
the top of the mask.
At the back of his mask is
a large grouping of small turkey feathers. Draped over his shoulders
is a ceremonial maiden's blanket, worn as a robe. He wears a
white embroidered kilt, embroidered sash and red embroidered
belt. There is a long fox skin hanging in back. He carries a
silver bell in his right hand and there is a Kato (bow guard)
on his left wrist and he wears red moccasins with ceremonial
ankle cuffs.
This 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.
