Henry Naha
Velvet Shirt
16" H
with 3/4" base
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.
- Wright, Barton, 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.
Henry has really established
himself as a kachina carver.
His figures always have 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 well carved with detailed fingers
and fingernails.
