Kneeling Mudhead with Drum from Zuni Pueblo [SOLD]

Although the Koyemshi (Mudheads) are childlike, or witless in their behavior, they are regarded as the “sages of the ancients, oracles who speak with the voices of idiots mixing wisdom and nonsense in every utterance. They are considered the fathers of the Zuni people and no other group is more sacrosanct or dangerous than the Koyemshi.  To deny them anything, even in one’s heart or mind, is to court disaster.”  They are major participants in the Zuni Shalako ceremony and are the first to appear for the event, arriving eight days before the ceremony. Wright, 1985 

This Mudhead is presented in a kneeling position as would be seen during an indoor ceremony of the winter Shalako celebration.  He carries a drum which will be used during chants of the all-night celebration.  It is an all-wood carving with articulating arms.  The black neck scarf and kilt are fabric.  It appears that he had a drumstick at some time in the past.

Condition: good condition with the toes chipped off the left foot and some chips in the wood of the drum.

Provenance: from the collection of a long-time Santa Fe family

Reference and Recommended Reading: Kachinas of the Zuni by Barton Wright with Original Paintings by Duane Dishta, 1985