Warrior kachina "salimopia"

Description

cottonwood, white clay, pigments, miniature glass beads, woolen threads, felt, applications, cross-over bag, movable arms (fixed by nails), rep. (breakages: right forearm/left upper arm), abrasion of paint, felt slightly stained, base.
“Salimopia” are the incarnation of youth, beauty and strength. They serve as messengers of the gods and are known particularly for their ability to summon the wind. They play a primordial role in initiation ceremonies for young Zunis and also appear during the important “Shalako” festivities, enacted for the double purpose of invoking the divine blessing upon certain newly built houses, and of rendering thanks to the gods for the harvests of the year.