"This kachina was brought
from Zuni by the Asa Clan when they came to Sichomovi. Since
that time he has spread to the other mesas. However, Chakwaina
originally came from much farther east for he has homologues
in Keresan and Tanoan pueblos along the Rio Grande.
It has been stated that this
kachina represents Estevan the Moor, who led Fray Marcos de Niza
in search of Cibola and was killed at Zuni. This does not seem
too reasonable considering the direction of his diffusion and
the complex relationship of the Chakwaina group to the various
pueblos where it is found.
Chakwaina appears most often
in January during the Kiva Dances - dancing in a line with rather
lively gestures, stooping and turning and singing a spirited
tune. All Chakwaina are warriors."
- Wright, Barton. Kachinas: a Hopi
Artist's Documentary (99)
Shannon Naha 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 other brother Raymond, Jr.
is leading the way 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.
