Zuni Pueblo Katsina, Kachina Doll Carving [SOLD]

C4239B-kachina.jpg

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Once Known Native American Carver
  • Category: Traditional
  • Origin: Zuni Pueblo, SHE-WE-NA
  • Medium: wood, paint, yarn, feathers
  • Size: 9-½” tall
  • Item # 26192
  • SOLD

This katsina doll was most likely made by a Zuni tribal member who respected the tradition of not making true likenesses in a katsina doll that was intended to be sold to a non-tribal member.  Some carvers feel that true-to-life dolls are meant for local tribal members and not for sale to outsiders, yet the commercial market is important, so dolls that resemble true katsinas are necessarily made.

Since this carving has not been identified in any of the published documentation on Zuni Katsinas, we have made the determination that this is one that is similar to but not accurately portrayed. It was well made and probably dates to the mid-twentieth century or perhaps a decade earlier.  

In traditional Zuni Pueblo custom, the Katsina doll is dressed in clothing rather than having clothing painted on the carving.  The loincloth in front and back beautifully displays multi-colored clouds with lightning and rain. The chest, arms and back are white with a series of black dots.  The traditional wide embroidered sash hanging on his right and left sides were painted with appropriate embroidery designs, as was the red and green belt around his waist.


Condition: good condition with a minor repair to back of left shoulder and a crack in the wood on left foot

Provenance: this Zuni Pueblo Katsina, Kachina Doll Carving is from an estate in Taos, New Mexico

Recommended Reading: Kachinas of the Zuni by Barton Wright with original paintings by Duane Dishta

Relative Links: Zuni Kachina DollZuni PuebloKachina Doll

Once Known Native American Carver
  • Category: Traditional
  • Origin: Zuni Pueblo, SHE-WE-NA
  • Medium: wood, paint, yarn, feathers
  • Size: 9-½” tall
  • Item # 26192
  • SOLD

C4239B-kachina.jpgC4239B-large.jpg Click on image to view larger.