Pair of Mudheads Cavorting with Zuni Shalako [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.

It appears in this painting that the Mudheads are tormenting the Shalako and he has taken chase after them.  One Mudhead appears to be running away and the other is standing ground.  The Shalako's right leg is lifted as if he is running after the tormentors.

Naha was not only a great artist but one with a sense of humor. Most artists depict the Shalako as a subject of respect, but Naha sees the humor in them as well.  The detail in execution of the feather ruff around the Shalako's neck is exceptional as is the detail in the embroidered clothing worn by the Shalako.  Naha did not treat his work lightly.  He was a perfectionist and that is obvious in this painting.

Condition: appears to be in original condition but has not been examined out of the frame.

Provenance: from a California collector of Native art

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