Zuni Pueblo Shalako Katsina Doll, circa 1940s [SOLD]

Shalako, a reenactment of the creation and migration of the Zuni people to "Heptina," the "Middle Place," has persisted through the centuries. The religious activities are controlled by caciques of the six kivas, representing the four directions and up and down, which constitute the dance groups, and each kiva is associated with a direction, a color, and certain fetishes.

Each of the six kivas has a Shalako god representative. Each Shalako has two impersonators, the understudy and the "older brother." The spectacular figures stand approximately ten feet tall, the mask and costume being carried on a pole by an attendant inside the embroidered garments that are draped around hoops.

This version of the Shalako Katsina is a very good representation of the real Shalako. The hand-made clothing is well above average. What appears to be handspun white cotton cloth is embellished with elaborately cut out fabric to simulate embroidery normally applied to mantas. Feather ruff surrounds the neck and hair covers the head and hangs down behind the mask. The doll is outfitted with handmade leather moccasins.

The doll is provided with a pedestal for standing and also is equipped with a string for hanging. 

Condition: It is in very good condition. The white turkey feathers on the head are disheveled and could be replaced for eye appeal.

Provenance: ex. coll. Santa Fe collectors

Recommended Reading: Kachinas of the Zuni, by Barton Wright. Northland Press, Flagstaff. 1985. ISBN 0-87358-383-3.