Miniature Zuni Shalako Katsina Doll [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 he 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 tow impersonators, the understudy and the “older brother.” The spectacular figures stand approximately ten feet tall, the mask and costume being carried on a pole, and the embroidered garments draped around hoops.

This miniature version of the Shalako Katsina is a very good representation of the real thing. The carving is excellent and the painting is superior to most.