Original Painting of Zuni Shalako and Koyemsi

Dance of the Shalako and Koyemsi: A Zuni Pueblo Mystery Artist's Master Work

The painting of the pair of Shalako and the pair of Koyemsi is not the work of a beginner, but certainly the work of a well-trained artist. The pair of Shalako, one facing forward and one facing away, is mirrored by the pair of Koyemsi, with one facing forward and the other facing away. The Shalako and Koyemsi are actively moving, either walking or dancing.

Each Shalako is beautifully rendered in traditional white clothing with embroidered colorful panels of design on manta and dress. The fan of feathers on the back of their heads beautifully frames the arrangement of feathers on the tops of their heads. The Koyemsi are traditionally presented with black kerchiefs around their necks and black skirts. Their bodies are covered in mud, as are their masks.

In traditional Indian School format, there is no background to detract from the main characters. Only a few lines represent a ground plane.
The painting is framed without an added mat board. The frame is bronze color.

This painting is signed M. Vacit. There are several Vacits recorded from Zuni Pueblo, however, there is not an M. Vacit, so we do not know the identity of this artist. It is assumed that he is a younger artist not yet recorded in publications.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Original Painting of Zuni Shalako and Koyemsi is from a client of Adobe Gallery

Recommended Reading: The Shalakos are Coming by Clara Gonzales, Reprinted from El Palacio, Vol 73, No. 3, 1966

TAGS: Zuni Pueblo, Native American Paintings