Important, Rare Hopi Sa’lako in Resting Position – 1880s

[This figure is on hold.] This is an early and rare Hopi Sa’lako katsina. Of note is that it has no legs and feet and a careful inspection of its underside shows very clearly that it never had any (see photo 3). Why is this important? Several people knowledgeable about Sa’lako ceremonies (both Zuni and Hopi) indicated that this form of the Sa’lako is in the “resting position.” When they appear, Sa’lakos are towering figures, 10 to 12 feet tall. As they move through their long processions, from time to time, they need to rest — at which point they lower their towering height and their feet are not visible (under their long, eagle feather garments). I’ve only seen one other example of a resting Sa’lako, and it is on page 53 of Alph Secakuku’s book, “Following the Sun and Moon.”

This carving has the special eerie power found in 19th Century katsinam. It is 8″ tall by 6″ wide. The professional stand displays it well with wire supports under the tableta. It’s important to be able to remove the katsina from the stand so that the underside can be seen, confirming the figure never had legs and feet. The stand adds 1 3/4″ in height. Provenance: Chief R. Deerfoot (1871-1959) Sinking Springs, Ohio. I can provide an obituary for this individual.