Zuni Pueblo Shulawitsi - Fire God Katsina Doll [SOLD]

The Zuni Shulawitsi is almost an exact duplicate of the Hopi Kokosori, but he is not related to Kokosori.  A young boy who is innocent and pure of heart usually performs him. He carries a fire stick, signifying his responsibility as caretaker of one of the important physical elements of the universe: fire. He is responsible for lighting fires before the Shalako ceremony prior to the winter solstice. The lighting of these fires is the signal for the Shalako to begin their ritual.

The Zuni Pueblo artisan has done a good job portraying this Katsina / Kachina doll. In his right hand he holds remnants of the cedar bark torch used to light the ceremonial fires. His body is painted black with dots of the colors of the four cardinal directions.  Both arms articulate.  The bandolier is leather and the skirt if fabric.  Green plastic strips in his left hand represent yucca leaves.

Condition: good condition

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

Recommended Reading:  Classic Hopi and Zuni Kachina Figures by Barton Wright