Kneeling Koyemshi Katsina Doll with Drum

This Zuni carving of a Koyemshi (Mudhead) katsina doll dates from the mid-twentieth century. It was carved from wood, and dressed in fabric and yarn. In traditional form, the arms are movable. The doll is kneeling , and he holds a drum in his left hand.

There are ten different Koyemshi at Zuni that may resemble each other but there are significant details in their masks and gear that indicate their individual identities. Unfortunately, there are no published details for one to determine which of the ten a particular doll represents. This doll, carrying a drum, may indicate that he is a part of the accompanying group of chanters and drummers.

Although the Koyemshi are inverted, childlike, or witless in their behavior, they are regarded as the sages of the ancients, oracles who speak with the voices of idiots mixing wisdom and nonsense in every utterance. Despite their vacillation between crude unthinking play and solemn ceremonial duties, they are the father of the Zuni people, and no other group is more sacrosanct or dangerous than the Koyemsi. To deny them anything, even in one's heart or mind, is to court disaster. [Wright,1985:38-39]

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Kneeling Koyemshi Katsina Doll with Drum is from the collection of a Santa Fe family

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

TAGS: Zuni Pueblo, Kachina-Katsina Dolls