Hopi Pueblo Shalako Kachina Doll By A.C.

Late 20th Century

12" H

Hand Carved from Cottonwood Root with Painted Teal, Red, Yellow, White and Black Colors

In Very Good Condition

The Shalako is a particularly impressive and imposing katsina, often inspired by or adapted from the Zuni Pueblo's Shalako ceremony (a major winter solstice event involving giant bird-like figures that bring blessings, rain, and messages from the gods). Among the Hopi, it's known as Sio Shalako ("Sio" meaning Zuni-influenced), portrayed as a tall, feathered, rain-bringing figure. In ceremonial form, real Shalako dancers tower 7–8 feet high with elaborate tablitas (headdresses) symbolizing rainbows, clouds, and lightning, but dolls are scaled-down versions.

Due to the fragile nature of kachina dolls, we do not guarantee they will not break during shipping. We do our best to pack them well, but due to their fragile nature and even with the best packing, small pieces can break. If you are purchasing kachina dolls, please keep this in mind.