Zuni Pueblo Posuki Mudhead Katsina Doll [R]

According to Ruth Bunzel, in her paper entitled “Zuñi Katcinas,” published in the 47^th Annual Report to the BAE in 1929-1930, who was quoting an informant:  

“There are 10 Koyemci, differing slightly in appearance and conduct.  All wear knobbed masks of cotton cloth, stained with the same pink clay that is used on their bodies.  The knobs of the masks are filled with cotton balls and seeds, and dust from the footprints of townspeople.  Wrapped around the base of the mask is a piece of native black cloth.  Under this they wear concealed their packets of seeds.  The Koyemci carry the seeds of various native crops. 

“When the Koyemci come to play for the katcina dancers they wear only a kilt of black cotton cloth.  They do not wear under this the otherwise indispensable breachcloth.  Instead they have tied about the penis a cotton cord.  This makes erection of the penis impossible, and symbolized the sexual impotence of the Koyemci.  The Koyemci on occasions remove their kilts and stand naked before the people. ‘It is all right for the Koyemci to take off their covering, because they are just like children.’

“When the Koyemci come to announce the opening of the Ca’lako (Shalako) festival they are clothed in the usual ceremonial costume of white shirt, trousers, and native moccasin.  Hanging from the right shoulder they wear pouches made from the whole skins of fawns.

“When dancing in the Ca’lako houses, they wear brown moccasins, and carry their fawn skin bags.  In their own house the mask and moccasins are laid aside.  The masks are kept in a basket on the altar, and when not in use, the moccasins and pouch of each Koyemci are hung on a peg above his official seat.”

This Mudhead is classed as the Posuki Mudhead, one of the ten of the group.  According to Cushing, in Zuñi Origin Myths, “There is potsoki (the pouter) who does little but laugh and look bland, for grin he can not.”

Condition: excellent with normal wear to paint

Recommended Reading: “Zuñi Katcinas an Analytical Study” by Ruth Bunzel.  Forty-Seventh Annual Report of the Bureau of American Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution 1929-1930

Provenance: from the estate of Tom Mittler, a former resident of Michigan and Santa Fe