Zuni Pueblo Buffalo Katsina Doll [SOLD]

Probably the most significant Katsina doll ever made was a Buffalo Katsina doll, dating to 1885. It was stolen from Millicent Rogers Museum in Taos, New Mexico, a number of years ago.  Some would agree that it is the most significant Native American object ever made.  To the Zuni, Katsina dolls are not considered tourist objects and Zuni elders disapprove of them being sold.  There are a number of doll carvers at Zuni today who do make them for sale, so they have not been forced to discontinue doing so.

The Zuni name for Katsina is weehe, which translates to baby from the Zuni language. Their name for Katsina dancers is koko. Ernie Bulow

Like most animal-impersonating Katsinas, the buffalo Katsina is meant to implore the spirits for the return of that animal, an animal that was so important to all Native American tribes of the West.  Every part of the buffalo was used for food, clothing, medicine, tools or other functions. It was devastating for the Native tribes when trappers and traders almost annihilated the buffalo herds. 

Interestingly enough, the Buffalo Katsina doll is one of the least-made dolls of all by both Hopi and Zuni carvers.  I know of no reason why this is so.

This Zuni Buffalo Katsina doll probably dates to the 1980s and is a good representation of that Zuni Katsina.  As with all Zuni Katsina dolls, the carving is minimal and the clothing is exceptional.  The mask is partially covered in animal hide and the beard is horse hair.  The clothing is cotton fabric and animal hide.  The concha belt appears to be silver buttons cut down to a smaller size. The doll is adorned with metal earrings and a real turquoise necklace.

Condition: the right foot is broken off and missing, the right horn is missing a tip, and the clothing is a little soiled.

Provenance: from the extensive collection of Katsina dolls of a family from Oklahoma

Reference: Gallup Journey—the Free Community Magazine, on-line, by Ernie Bulow