Henry Naha
Alosaka
9 3/4"
total height
"This is the brother
of the Two Horn Society's deity, Alosaka. He is gentle, kind,
and aloof and he resides in the underworld rather than in the
San Francisco Mountains near Flagstaff, Arizona.
"This kachina has never
been seen by the artist [of this book]. His most probable appearance
was in a long line of Kachinas; however, he may also have appeared
in a mixed Kachina dance, dancing individually. The sack that
he carries contains seeds, which would relate to his function
as the germination Kachina. He was probably seen at only Second
and Third mesas."
- Ricks, J. Brent, et al., Kachinas:
Spirit Beings of the Hopi (44)
This kachina may be a different
variation of the Muy-ingwa Kachina which appears as #13 (in the
book).
- Ricks, J. Brent, et al., Kachinas:
Spirit Beings of the Hopi (84)
It has also been said that
he is the brother of Muy-ingwa, and dwells in the San Francisco
Mountains near Flagstaff, Arizona.
Others say they are the same,
but only variations - where in this case, he would be considered
the Third Mesa variation.
This 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.
