Henry Naha
Broadface
10 3/4"
H with 3/4" base
"In every ceremony there
are guards to prevent any transgression on the path of the kachinas.
In addition, guards or Angry Kachinas were formerly used to enforce
community work such as the cleaning of springs.
"It is to this category
that the Wuyak-kuita belongs. There is evidence that this
kachina has many forms that have changed through time. Wuyak-kuita
is most often seen bringing up the rear of the Bean Dance Procession
or circling wide at the sides.
"He is the one who moves
toward the clowns and absolutely terrifies them. On Third Mesa
these are the kachinas who guard the kivas to keep He'e'e
from approaching too close during the Palolokong Ceremony,
or from going to the Flute Spring during the same ceremony. This
form of the kachina is the one most commonly seen at ceremonies
like the Powamu."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artist's Documentary (26)
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.
