Henry Naha
Velvet Shirt
8 1/2"
overall height
The Velvet Shirt, or Navan
Kachina, "is a comparatively recent kachina as it seems
to have originated in Moenkopi sometime after 1900. He is one
of the more colorful kachinas in a regular kachina dance with
his bright ribbons and flowers. He may also appear in Kiva Dances.
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a
Hopi Artist's Documentary (191)
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.
The flow and motion of the
swaying necklace and and Hopi sash makes this piece stand out
especially. There is just so much feeling/emotion in the stance
of this figure.
Henry has really established
himself as a top-tier kachina carver - an expert.
