Henry Naha
Sun Kachina
(Dawa)
15 1/2"
H with 1" 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 Sun Kachina (Dawa) is
a representation of the spirit of the Sun. He is very seldom
seen in public because the performance of the rituals is sacred
and secret...reserved only for specific clans or high priesthood
leaders. Although very popular among the carvers, he seldom appears
in the Kachina dances. The Sun Kachina radiates rays down to
the Earth giving it warmth and life.
The mask of the Sun Kachina
is a representation of the round face of the Sun. The lower half
of the face is blue with rectangular eyes, a triangle mouth and
vertical bars on each cheek. The top half of the mask is painted
half yellow and half red. Carved red horsehair hangs from his
forehead and drapes the mask.
The most impressive feature
about the mask are the black tipped feathers that radiate from
the rim and completely circle the edge of the mask. They are
all individually detailed and carved.
He wears an embroidered white
kilt, which is carved and shaded to capture the natural folds
that give the Kachina a strong sense of reality. The embroidered
sash, red bandolier and red belt are also carved to enhance the
realism of cloth. He wears a hank of yarn at the left knee and
sleigh bells on the right knee. His left forearm and right calf
is blue and the right forearm and left calf is yellow. He wears
blue armbands with feathers and carries a gourd rattle.
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 and the mask. Even
the base is from the single piece of cottonwood root.
What really sets this Kachina
doll apart is the amount of detail that Henry has shown in the
carving. Everywhere you look, there are fine details...like the
distinct markings on the hands, the way the red bandolier has
been carved away from the body, the different textures on the
sash and kilt and the detail of the fox skin.
The kilt has been carved and
shaded to give it a realistic appearance. The red belt and sash
are flowing at his side.
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 hands are extremely well carved with detailed
fingers and fingernails.