Zuni Pueblo Shalako Katsina Doll, circa 1960 [R]

Shalako, a reenactment of the creation and migration of the Zuni people to "Heptina," the "Middle Place," has persisted through the centuries. The religious activities are controlled by "caciques" of the six kivas, representing the four directions and up and down, which constitute the dance groups, and each kiva is associated with a direction, a color, and certain fetishes.

Each of the six kivas has a Shalako god representative. Each Shalako has two impersonators, the understudy and the "older brother." The spectacular figures stand approximately ten feet tall, the mask and costume being carried on a pole by an attendant inside the embroidered garments that are draped around hoops.

This version of the Shalako Katsina is a very good representation of the real Shalako. The hand-made clothing is well above average. The white clothing is embellished with elaborately cut out felt pieces to simulate embroidery normally applied to mantas.  Yarn ruff surrounds the neck, covers the head and hangs down as hair behind the face.

The artist, Duane Dishta, had been residing at Zuni Pueblo, painting and working as a religious leader until his recent death on February 26, 2011.  Dishta made this Shalako Katsina doll in the 1960s.  Attached is a photograph of the artist holding this doll. 

Condition:  One horn is missing and one leg was re-glued improperly and needs to be glued again.  Otherwise, the doll is in wonderful condition.  The white fabric has yellowed somewhat.

Provenance: from a Florida gentleman

Recommended Reading:  Kachinas of the Zuni by Barton Wright

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Relative Links: Zuni Pueblo, Hopi, Ruth Bunzel, Kachina-Katsina Dolls, Duane Dishta