Traditional Zuni Pueblo Shalako Katsina Doll [SOLD]

This version of a Zuni Pueblo Shalako Katsina is a very good representation of the real Shalako. The hand-made clothing is well above average. The clothing was fashioned from a stiff off-white fabric, stiff enough that the doll stands on the clothing without additional support. Tassels of golden brown color hang from the corners of the long dress and from the corners of the shorter manta. A beautiful design adorns the hem of the dress and the hem of the manta. Rabbit fur is wrapped around the neck just below a woven black collar that covers half of the face.

In a real ceremony, the mouth of the Shalako, which is hinged, is opened and closed with a loud sound. It is manipulated by the attendant walking inside the clothing. A three-strand necklace of turquoise nuggets hangs around Shalako's neck.

The Zuni ceremony 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.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Traditional Zuni Pueblo Shalako Katsina Doll is  from the collection of a client from California

Reference: Kachinas of the Zuni by Barton Wright

TAGS: Zuni Pueblo, Kachina-Katsina Dolls