Native American Hopi Carved Shalako Taka and Shalako Mana Katsina Sculpture

Description

Native American Hopi Carved Shalako Taka and Shalako Mana Katsina Sculpture by Elmer Saufkie

The Shalako, who are believed to have first arrived at Zuni around 1840, retrace the wanderings of the Zuni from the center earth to the modern pueblo. The Shalako are the gods' messengers and run back and forth all year long carrying messages, as well as bringing rain when needed. When they leave, they carry with them the Zunis' prayers for rain. The Shalako Ceremony is performed in late November or early December and takes place after the crops are in. This ceremony is the most important event of the year for the Zuni Indians of New Mexico. Because the Shalako are messengers to the gods, their departure at the ceremony is the final prayer for rain to fill the rivers, wells and springs before summer comes.