Original Painting of a Single Zuni Shalako Katsina [SOLD]

Clara Lee Tanner devotes several pages on Raymond Naha in her book referenced below.  She refers to his "great natural talent."  She states that Hopi and Zuni Katsinas were a favored subject of his and that they serve as fine ethnological studies from the masks to costume, jewelry, paraphernalia carried by the dancer, and body paint.  She praised him for accuracy of color depiction and good body proportions.

Hopi-Tewa artist Raymond Naha was born at Polacca, which is at the foot of First Mesa, on the Hopi Reservation in Arizona on December 5, 1933. He studied with Fred Kabotie at Oraibi High School. Kabotie recognized Naha's talent and encouraged him to continue his studies. Naha then took correspondence courses and studied at the Phoenix Indian School. His paintings are characterized by the depiction of details of pueblo ceremonial life in a vibrant and colorful manner.

Naha is best known for his ability to paint even the smallest aspects of Hopi life in the most exquisite detail. Feathers, green bough, sashes, kilt embroidery and other costume details are exquisitely executed. He was exhibited widely and won numerous awards including the Indian Arts Fund in Santa Fe in 1962. He died in 1975 at the age of 42.

This painting of a Shalako Katsina is almost an ethnographic study of the katsina.  There are no background subjects or other items to detract from the single image.

Condition: the painting is in original condition.  It has not been matted or framed.

Provenance: from the estate collection of the Balcombs, former owners of Indian art galleries, the last of which closed in 1976.

Recommended Reading:  Southwest Indian Painting a Changing Art by Clara Lee Tanner