Native American Hopi Carved Shalako Taka Dancer Katsina Doll

Description

Native American Hopi Carved Shalako Dancer Katsina Doll by John Poleahla

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 the Zuni prayers for rain with them. 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. This is the male, or Shalako Taka. This is an older piece from a private collection.