Original Painting of a Salimopia Thlian’ona Katsina [SOLD]

Theoretically, there are twelve Salimopia, two from each direction. All twelve are identical in costume and mask and differ only in the colors used. There are six different colors for the katsinas and there are two katsinas of each color. The six are Salimopia Thluptsin’ona (Yellow Warrior of the North); Salimopia Thlian’ona (Blue Warrior of the West); Salimopia Shelow’ona (Red Warrior of the South); Salimiopia Kohan’ona (White Warrior of the East); Salimopia Itapanahman’ona (Many Colored Warrior of the Zenith) and Salimopia Shikan’ona (Dark Warrior of the Nadir).

Each Salimopia represents the epitome of youth, vitality, and beauty. They are messengers of the gods, guides for the Katsinas, and warriors. They are young and their actions are quick and darting. Their masks are nearly hidden behind the ruff of crow feathers. Their youth is tested as they dance in every kiva until the morning star rises. They then dance in the plaza some more.

This painting is of the Blue Warrior of the West. MaPiWe has beautifully portrayed him in heavy dark blue body paint. The neck ruff is fluffy and realistically appears as feathers. The yucca whips in his hands describe his position as one who whips youth initiates and anyone desiring to have a good corn crop or wishing to shed away bad luck.

The detail in the painting of the evergreen ruff around the katsina’s ankles and the fine body proportion of the katsina are typical of the extraordinary work of MaPiWe.

Condition: The painting appears to be in original excellent condition. It has not been examined out of the frame.