Zuni Pueblo Hilili Katsina Doll

Hilili Katsinas appear at Acoma, Laguna, Zuni, and Hopi Pueblos, but it apparently originated at Acoma or Laguna where it is known as Heleleka. There is no published record of the arrival time or its function at those Pueblos. It was described as a Keresan scalper Katsina by Parsons, 1939. It seems to have appeared sometime in the 1880s at Zuni and around 1910 at Hopi. 

Its appearance at Zuni was strongly resisted at first for it was believed to be very dangerous because of the snakes it carried, but the dance was retained despite this. The Hilili wears a wildcat skin across the shoulders, and has snakes painted on the forehead. His rectangular eyes have black outlines with black pupils outlined in orange on one eye and yellow on the other. The mask has cotton on the head and off on one side is a sun symbol painted on a paddle attached to the top of the head. 

He is bare chested and has a long beard. He has a simple white cotton kilt secured with a blue ribbon belt. He carries yucca in both hands. The doll was hand carved with a knife and has articulated arms. 

The Hilili Dance at Zuni Pueblo

"After the Winter Solstice Ceremonies each kiva may give one dance before presenting their Koyupchonane performance, and the Hilili is frequently chosen for this extra dance because it is well liked. . . . Two side dancers representing eagles accompany them". [Wright 1985:110]

What is a Katsina? 

Condition: very good condition

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

References: 

-Parsons, Elsie Clews. Pueblo Indian Religion, University of Chicago Publications in Anthropology and Ethnology Series, Chicago, University of Chicago Press, 1939

-Wright, Barton. Kachinas of the Zuni, Northland Press, 1985

TAGS: Zuni Katsina Dolls, Zuni Pueblo