Henry Naha
Turkey Kachina
7 1/4"
H incl. 3/4" base
This kachina was carved by
well known Hopi artist Henry Naha. Henry, a 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.
"The Turkey Kachina appears
with other birds in the kivas at night or during the Mixed Dances
of late spring. He is not a common kachina and seems to be only
from First Mesa."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas:
a Hopi Artist's Documentary (104)
