Adobe Gallery Blog
Kneeling Mudhead with Drum Katsina Doll from Zuni Pueblo - 25879
Category: Kachina - Katsina | Posted by | Fri, Aug 12th 2016, 2:20pm
Although the Koyemshi (Mudheads) are childlike, or witless in their behavior, they are regarded as the "sages of the ancients, oracles who speak with the voices of idiots mixing wisdom and nonsense in every utterance. They are considered the fathers of the Zuni people and no other group is more sacrosanct or dangerous than the Koyemshi. To deny them anything, even in one's heart or mind, is to court disaster." They are major participants in the Zuni Shalako ceremony and are the first to appear for the event, arriving eight days before the ceremony. Wright, 1985