"One of the functions
of [the Buffalo] Kachina is to bring the cold. He also serves
the overall function of prayers for good health, good crops,
and a good harvest. This kachina appears most frequently in the
winter months, at the beginning of the Kachina season.
"He has been known to
dance in the night Kachina dances in the kivas primarily, yet
he has also been known to appear in plaza dances with the mixed
Kachinas. He usually carries a lightning stick and a rattle with
stars painted on it. He is a contemporary kachina.
"Known as the Cold Weather
Man; he comes to help with/for a good hunt; at Oraibi, he wears
white leggings; at Shungopavi, he wears yellow leggings and requires
a shirt."
- J. Brent Ricks, et al., Kachinas:
Spirit Beings of the Hopi (2)
Ray Naha Jr. is the son of
the famous Hopi painter Raymond Naha; his mother is a well known
Hopi potter (Emma Naha), while his older brother Marty is known
for his pottery and kachinas, and younger brother Shannon is
following closely in Ray Jr.'s footsteps with some incredible
old-style kachinas of his own.
These two brothers are among
the most popular old-style carvers at Hopi. Their work is very
elaborate and authentic. They take a lot of pride in each piece
- hand tying every feather, and using only the best materials.
