Zuni Pottery Newekwe Hewahewa Katsina Figurine [SOLD]

This Zuni pottery figurine represents Newekwe Hewahewa, the Newekew society’s clown Ko’ko. The Newekwe society is the curing and clowning society at Zuni. It specializes in controlling and curing stomach ailments. As all clowns, they are known for their abilities at mimicry and burlesque. They are also known for their proclivity as gluttons—thus their demonstration that they can cure stomach ailments. The fully anatomically correct genital area of this figurine is most probably related to its burlesque roles.

This is the only pottery katsina figurine of which I am aware from Zuni. The condition of the piece is extraordinary considering its age of over 100 years. It was collected at Zuni in 1898. A little section of the hair on the left side of the head is missing. The right hand is also missing.

Provenance: The property of Philip Winship Davis, from the collection of his grandfather, George Parker Winship, who collected at Zuni Pueblo in 1898.

Reference: Kachinas of the Zuni by Barton Wright. Northland Press, Flagstaff. 1985.