Two Shalako Katsinas and an Altar [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.

This painting of a pair of Zuni Shalako Katsinas, one of which is sitting in front of an altar and the other one dancing, is an excellent portrayal of Tanner's description of his work.  It was painted on dark paper, an indication of being inside a room or kiva, and the depiction of the Shalako Katsinas is accurate to the finest detail.  The feathered headdresses, embroidered mantas, fox skins, and neck ruff are presented in complete accuracy.   There certainly was no rush to complete this painting.  Naha took his time to do so.

Condition:  The painting appears to be in original excellent condition although it has not been examined out of the frame.

Provenance: from the collection of Katherine H. Rust

Recommended Reading: Southwest Indian Painting a changing art by Clara Lee Tanner