Painting of Hopi Mixed Katsina Dance [SOLD]

Naha has captured the essence of a Hopi Katsina dance when the clowns are arguing amongst themselves. The 10 Katsinas are in a circle watching the clowns. The Tsuku Clown, seated on the left, is pointing to the Koshari seated on the right, while the White Cloud Clown with a shawl over her head watches. This sort of behavior by the clowns is typical and the Hopi watching on the sidelines seem to enjoy the humor.

Naha was an extraordinary artist and especially adept at painting katsina ceremonies. His attention to the minutest details of the costuming was astonishing. That is indisputable if one examines this painting. Katsina ceremonies were the favored subject for Naha.

Provenance: From the personal collection of Frances Balcomb, owner of Balcomb’s Gallery, at one time located in Arizona, then Taos, Gallup, and Albuquerque, but closed since 1976.