Great Horned owl - Mongwa: Henry Naha Hopi Kachina Doll
The Katsina:
The Great Horned Owl (Mongwa) is best noted for his incessant war on the clowns. As the clowns follow their usual pattern of un-Hopi-like behaviour, a single silent figure will drift into one corner of the plaza and watch these uncouth fellows."
"When the clowns next appear, growing ever more boisterous in their actions, the Owl again appears and hoots solemnly. With each appearance he gets closer until he ends up talking with the clown chief who promptly blames all misbehaviour on the other clowns."
"But at the last performance, the Owl is joined by other Warrior Kachinas. They leap upon the clowns, douse them with water, beat them vigorously with willow switches or yucca blades, and leave them howling with remorse in a pile in the middle of the plaza."
Re.: Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi Artist's Documentary (91)
Another characteristic of the Owl is that of a messenger. He comes to warn the village and to call them to repentance. Perhaps this is why he carries on that way with the clowns - as a symbol. He comes to warn them of the bad things that can happen if they are not living right.
Ref.: www.ancientnations.com
The Carver:
This fine Kachina was carved by well-known Hopi artist Henry Naha. Henry, an outstanding, well-respected carver who is a member of the Spider and Lizard Clans, lives near Polacca, Arizona. He was taught by one of the masters - Cecil Calnimptewa, who is his Hopi godfather; and was the husband of Avonne Naha, also a talented carver.
He has been an active carver for over 20 years and learned from others such as Denis Tewa and Joseph Dallas. His figures always have an excellent stance and pose suggesting great strength and pride. The body proportions are in balance and the kachina has well defined musculature. The hands are extremely well carved with detailed fingers and fingernails.
Ref: www.ancientnations.com
Item No.: KD.0038
Artist: Henry Maha
Size: 14 in H
Price: 1,990
