“Planting Feathers by the River” by Raymond Naha [SOLD]

In explanation of this painting, a handwritten note on verso states:

Ceremony of “Planting Feathers by the River”
Symbol = Mudhead (God) - Dance with Shalako
Sundancer – Dance with Shalako

In additional to the Shalako, Mudhead and Sun Katsinas, there is a Zuni Priest with a feather apparently blessing the group. Behind the Katsinas and Priest are Zuni Pueblo and the Zuni River.

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.

He clearly demonstrates his creativity in the execution of this painting. His merging of the three katsinas is a symbolic demonstration of a dance. He was a brilliant artist who was very familiar with his pueblo religion.

This painting is not dated but most probably is from the 1960s. It appears to be in the original frame. The condition is excellent, although it has not been examined out of frame.

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.