Henry Naha
Snipe Kachina
8 1/4"
H with 1/2" base
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."
"The Snipe Kachina [Patszro]
appears in the Kiva Dances before and after the important Powamu
Ceremony. His function is probably the same as that of all the
other bird kachinas who make their appearance at this time."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artist's Documentary (102)
The Kachina has been carved
from a single piece of cottonwood root. The only parts that have
been added are the items in the hands, the hank of yarn, the
sleigh bells, & the feathers on the armbands.
The doll has an excellent
stance and pose...which suggest great strength and pride. The
body proportions are perfect and the Kachina has well defined
musculature. The wings and feathers are very well defined.
Henry always does a nice job
with the accents - like the necklace, sleigh bells, and moccasins.
He is also known for his incredibly detailed wing figures - including
his eagle and hawk figures. This piece is no exception. He has
given nice curvature to both arms.
