Hopi Bowl with Long Horn Katsina Image [SOLD]

The residents of the Hopi villages and those of Zuni Pueblo are closer in traditions that either is to other New Mexico pueblos.  Zuni Pueblo is physically closer to the Hopi villages than any other pueblo.  During the 19^th century, and perhaps even earlier, members of Zuni and Hopi lived among each other, sometimes for several decades.  It was during these periods that Zuni Katsinas were adopted by the Hopi and vice versa.  It is not unusual to see Zuni imagery on Hopi pottery as shown on this Hopi bowl.  An image of the Zuni Long Horn Rain Priest of the North is pictured in the bottom of the bowl and rain clouds with rain and lightning around the edges. The bowl is not signed but there is a collection tag affixed that states Rogers Collection, Arizona, 1/68, #164. 

Saiyatasha, the Rain Priest of the North, is an important katsina whose only appearance is in the Shalako Ceremony. It is he who controls the weather, provides longevity to the people and protection from their enemies. Zuni informants once described his function as bringing long life to the Zuni people. His short right eye is to make the lives of the witches short and his long left eye is to provide for long life for the good people.

During his period of impersonating Saiyatasha, the Zuni man holds a position of great responsibility, power and prestige and assumes the rank and importance of one of the major priests of Zuni. It is he who must decide the ceremonial calendar for the year and must watch over the phases of the moon for the full year. He sets the date of the Shalako Ceremonies and insures that they do not conflict with other ceremonial events. He must learn all of the lengthy prayers, chants, and speeches while attending nightly meetings that last from the Zuni New Year until Shalako. In addition, he is required to make journeys to springs from four to eight miles distant to offer prayers each month during the year. He must also pray to the sun each day and work to prevent the frosts of spring and fall since he represents a katsina who makes the days warm.

Condition:  the bowl is in original condition

Provenance: from the collection of an Arizona resident

Referenced Information:  out of print book Kachinas of the Zuni by Barton Wright with original paintings provided by Duane Dishta.