Zuni Pueblo Shalako Katsina Doll

The Zuni Pueblo Shalako Katsina Doll

This SHE-WE-NA, or Zuni Pueblo, Shalako doll carving represents perhaps one of the most noteworthy katsinas of this incredibly storied and long-standing pueblo. They are considered messengers to the gods, and they transport messages throughout the year, in addition to bringing rain and favorable weather conditions.

The Zuni Shalako Ceremony, which is the most important event of the year at Zuni Pueblo, takes place in early winter and is open to the public. It goes on all night, and when the Shalakos leave the ceremony, it is said that they go to the gods to ask for rain in the coming year.

This Shalako doll, per tradition, is quite tall, and is overall very customary. The doll contains no arms or shoulders. He wears a long overcoat, decorated with rain clouds and corn symbols. He is adorned with a turquoise necklace, which features other gemstones near the center point of the necklace. His head and feet are painted turquoise blue, and he has long, flowing hair on back of head. Around his neck and upper sides are soft, furry materials. These are colored black and tan, respectively.

The Shálako festival, held annually in late November or early December, is a sacred drama, enacted on the outside for the double purpose of invoking the divine blessing upon newly built houses, and of rendering thanks to the gods for the harvests of the year. The exact date of the Shálako is fixed each year by a formula of the Zuni Bow priests, which traditionally was the 49th day past the tenth full moon, but has been altered to the weekend nearest the 49th day past the tenth full moon, as many Zuni people work away from their village at jobs that do not allow them weekdays off. The official announcement of the date is not made until the eighth evening before the event. The immediate effect of this announcement, which is given out in the principal plazas, is to quicken the easy-going life of the old pueblo into a bustle of activity.

What is a Katsina?

Condition: fair condition with some fabric soiling, a crack/repair on the left ear, one foot glued, and feathers missing from top of head

Provenance: this Zuni Pueblo Shalako Katsina Doll is from a client of Adobe Gallery

Recommended Reading: Kachinas of the Zuni by Barton Wright

TAGS: Zuni Pueblo, Kachina-Katsina Dolls