Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2009 School for Advanced Research.
"Zuni Mudheads"
Date: 1908-1928
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
30.5 × 50.1 cm (12 × 19 3/4 in.)
Medium: paper: wove | paint, watercolor
Credit Line: Gift of Mary Austin.
Place Made:
Zuni Pueblo, McKinley County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.P32
Not on view
Tribal Collection Review RemarksJim Enote and Octavius Seowtewa during collection review visit June 10 and 11, 2009 (Events Record “Collection Review: Zuni Tribe, Review 2”): The koyemshi on the right represents Etsabasha, which in English means “Can’t Make Up His Mind.” He always does strange things, such as talk to himself. He is depicted accurately. The three on the left side of the painting are all representations of the same koyemshi (there are 10 distinct koyemshis). It is possible that the artist was not knowledgeable about what each one looks like. That might account for the inaccurate representation of the first three on the left. Also, the rattles they are holding are shown as black, but they should be red.
Koyemshis are dancers that participate in many dances and ceremonies at Zuni. They have a role that mixes entertainment with illustrations of how people should not behave in society, so that people can better understand how they should behave. There are 10 koyemshis. All 10 of them always appear together; there cannot be more or fewer than 10 of them. Each one has its own attributes and personality. They can be distinguished by differences in their dress and certain behaviors that each exhibits.
In Collection(s)
Bibliography:
"Zuni Religion and Philosophy"
- Pg. 28
- Fig. N/A
The Indian Arts Research Center, in collaboration with Native American community scholars, strives to present accurate collections records. Records may be updated as new information becomes available and is reviewed with the Native American community having cultural affinity to particular items. Please write to iarc@sarsf.org if you have questions or concerns related to the documentation.