Zuni Pueblo Wakashi Ko’ko, Cow Katsina Doll c.1940s [SOLD]

This Wakashi Ko'ko (Katsina) doll was made by a Zuni Pueblo artist in the 1940s, and it is an outstanding example of the work produced during this era. The figure was carved and painted with skill and style. The arms are articulated, as is typical of Zuni katsina dolls, and a great deal of effort was devoted to tasteful adornments in a variety of materials. An unusually warm palette of orange and red tones further enhances the appeal of the figure.

According to Barton Wright in his Zuni Kachina book, "Wakashi, the Cow Kachina, represents cattle in general, and the dance is a prayer for their increase; he also brings corn and carries blue seeds. When the dance is given, it is usually large because it has the character of a Mixed Dance with a variety of other kachinas accompanying it. It was either brought by a group of Hopi men attending the Shalako in 1908, or it was seen by a Zuni man at Hopi who brought the Wakashi back to Zuni shortly thereafter. The dance is considered to belong to the Ohewa Kiva, although others may perform it. [Wright, 1985:112]

What is a Kachina?

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Zuni Pueblo Wakashi Ko'ko, Cow Katsina Doll c.1940s is  from the collection of a client from Texas

Reference: Wright, Barton. Kachinas of the Zuni, with Original Paintings by Duane Dishta, Northland Press, Flagstaff, 1985.

TAGS: Zuni Pueblo, Kachina-Katsina Dolls