Andrew Sahmie
Snake Dancers
8" H
with 1/2" base
While not actually a "kachina,"
the Snake Dancers, or Snake Priests, represent those individuals
who are of those clans who take part in the bi-annual snake dance.
This ceremony is only held at a one or two villages anymore and
is kept very private.
In the old days it used to
draw huge crowds of tourists, anthropologists, and photographers
- which the Hopi resented subsequently as a result of further
exploitation.
Because of their sacred nature,
there are few who will carve this set. Although there are many
old-time photographs, and a handful of personal accounts recorded
in early journals, little is known about the symbolism in this
dance.
What is known, however, is
that the snakes are gathered from all over Hopi country until
the time has come for the dance. Then they are released into
the plaza amidst cornmeal and other items used specifically for
this ceremony.
Once the dance begins, the
priests take up the serpents, many of them poisonous, and carry
them in their hands and mouths. Occassionally a dancer will be
bitten, but amazingly there are never any fatalities reported
- only a few cases of naseua and upset stomach.
Here, these two figures are
paired up as they dance around the plaza. They are very life-like
and are as close as any outsider might ever hope to come to the
Snake Dance.
This fine Kachina was carved
by well known Hopi artist Henry Naha. Henry, an outstanding,
well respected carver who is a member of the Spider and Lizard
Clans, lives near Polacca, Arizona.
He was taught by one of the
masters - Cecil Calnimptewa, who is his Hopi godfather; and was
the husband of Avonne Naha, 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.
His figures always have an
excellent stance and pose suggesting great strength and pride.
The body proportions are in balance and the kachina has well
defined musculature. The hands are extremely well carved with
detailed fingers and fingernails.
He has signed the bottom of
the base: "H. Naha" along with a symbolic lizard, which
is his Clan symbol.
