Original Painting of an Apache Raid by Raymond Naha [R]

Raymond Naha possessed a great natural talent for art as noted by Fred Kabotie, his art teacher at Oraibi High School on the Hopi Reservation. He received further art instruction during his stay at the Phoenix Indian School, which was the end of his formal art education. His progress from then was purely self motivated.

Katsina ceremonies were the favored subject for Naha, although he occasionally turned to other subjects. This painting of an Apache raid is a good example of his ability to portray men and horses in action. The manes of the horses flow in the wind as does the hair of the Apache warriors. The tonality of the Apache men’s skin is beautifully rendered in shades of color that reflect musculature and shading. Naha, as we can see, was equally adept at Katsina and non-katsina subjects.

Condition: This painting is in original excellent condition. It is not dated by the artist, but appears to be from the 1960 decade.

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