Henry Naha
Apache Warrior
12" H
with 1/2" base
"The Apache Kachina is
a figure or caricature that may appear during the Kiva Dances
both early and late, or with the Soyohim later in the year. A
group of them frequently will appear in the Buffalo Dances during
the Kachina season.
"Their actions are usually
those that one would expect of Apaches on the warpath. They are
often used in conjunction with the clowns."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artist Documentary (145)
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.
Henry has really established
himself as a top-tier kachina carver - an expert.
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.
