Zuni Pueblo Female Cloud Maiden [R]

This representation of a Zuni Pueblo Katsina is possibly that of the female Cloud Maiden, however, I have not been able to find it listed in any reference books in my library. The white cotton puffs above her face most likely represent clouds and the clouds and rain marks on her cheeks possibly the same. The Sun face on her tableta would follow the same train of thought.

The doll is beautifully dressed in handmade clothing. She wears a pink dress with gold rickrack on the sleeves and decorated ribbon at the hem. Over the pink dress she wears a black traditional pueblo dress gathered at the waist with a white belt that hangs down her right side. She has a manta draped over her shoulders.

The long black hair is made from yarn. There are several silk ribbons trailing from the back of her hair. An exquisite beaded necklace is displayed around her neck. The tableta features stepped designs at the top and a Sun face design on the front. Colorful rainbows are on the back of the tableta.

The doll is probably from the 1950s or earlier and is in excellent condition.