Zuni Pueblo Pasikiapa Ko’ko, Wide Sleeves Katsina Doll c.1950 [SOLD]

This Zuni Pueblo katsina doll, which dates to around 1950, displays several characteristics of Zuni Pasikiapa dancers. Barton Wright observes that the Pasikiapa Dance is a recent development in the Zuni winter calendar. Wright continues:

"The gaudy, beribboned Pasikiapa, or Wide Sleeves, Kachinas may come in a variety of colors . . . The Pasikiapa have a Hopi homologue, the Velvet Shirt, or Navan, Kachina. The figure appears to have been borrowed by the Hopi from the Zuni sometime during the 1930s." (Barton Wright, Kachinas of the Zuni, 1985, pg. 91).

The easiest way to separate Zuni Katsina dolls from Hopi ones is to take note of the manner in which their details are presented—through the addition of fabrics and additional materials, rather than the carved and painted details preferred by Hopi artists. With this particular piece, the artist went above and beyond, creating clothing and dance regalia using a variety of colorful fabrics, turquoise, string, and feathers. Articulated arms appear, which is also a defining feature of Zuni dolls. This complex, colorful piece will delight collectors who appreciate Zuni Pueblo Katsina dolls.

What is a Kachina?

Condition: Very good condition

Provenance: this Zuni Pueblo Pasikiapa Ko'ko, Wide Sleeves Katsina Doll c.1950 was originally from the estate of Al Packard, Santa Fe merchant. Sold to the current owner by Adobe Gallery in 2008.

Reference: Wright, Barton. Kachinas of the Zuni, with Original Paintings by Duane Dishta, Northland Press, Flagstaff, 1985.

TAGS: Zuni Pueblo, Kachina-Katsina Dolls