Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2010 School for Advanced Research.
Wakyashi kokko we'ha | Cow kokko figure
Date: ca.1910
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
Overall: 11.5 x 42.5 cm (4 1/2 x 16 3/4 in.)
Medium: wood | paints | feathers | leather, buckskin | wool | evergreen needles | yarn, wool | cotton | metal, iron
Credit Line: Gift of Lionel Boetcher, 1994.
Place Made:
Zuni Pueblo, McKinley County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: SAR.1994-10-1
Not on view
Tribal Collection Review RemarksJim Enote and Octavius Seowtewa during collection review visit April 6 and 7, 2009 (Events Record “Collection Review: Zuni Tribe, Review 1”): This kokko is part of the Cow Dancer group, in which several different colored Cow kokos come out at the same time. It can also accompany the Wodem Thla (Mixed Dancers) group. Another version of this kokko is IAF.C1.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Jim Enote and Octavius Seowtewa during collection review visit April 10 and 11, 2014 (Events Record “Collection Review: Zuni Tribe, Review 13”): This kokko is carved from wood, possibly pine. It has both articulated arms and legs. Many of the kokko figures in IARC’s collection have articulated arms, but this is the only one with articulated legs. The kokko’s face is made of deer leather stretched over wood carved in the shape of a cow head. The leather would have been put on when it was wet so that it would conform to the shape of the wood. It is painted white with gypsum (kechibawa) paint. The eyes are wood and protrude through the leather. They are painted black. Red circles are painted on the leather around the eyes, possibly with red hematite paint. Wooden horns protrude through the leather. The lower portion of the horns is painted with white gypsum and the tips are painted black. The snout is carved from the wood and not covered in leather. It is painted black, with red nostrils and mouth. The red paint may be red hematite. There are two long (approximately ten inches) hawk feathers. They are standing straight up, as they would be on the dancer.
Below the face, the figure wears an evergreen ruff made from either Douglas Fir or Blue Spruce. The needles are now very dry and brittle and many have broken off.
The torso, arms, and legs are painted red, yellow, and light blue. The red paint may be red hematite, the yellow may be yellow ochre, and the light blue may be made from azurite or chrysocolla. The arms are articulated at the shoulders and attached to the body with a nail through each shoulder. The right arm shoulder is painted light blue, the bicep is red, and the forearm and hand are yellow. The left upper arm is red and the forearm and hand are light blue. The left hand holds a staff with red wool yarn fringe tied onto it with the “upiłane” technique. The staff is tied to the figure with a strip of off-white cloth.
The figure wears a brain-tanned buckskin kilt. The kilt is made in two layers; there is a bottom layer and another piece of white buckskin at the top. A handwoven red, green, white, and light purple sash is tied over top of the kilt, and it is tied correctly, as it would be on the dancer.
The figure’s legs are articulated at the hip and move very easily. Like the arms, they are attached with nails. Its knees are red and the lower legs are light blue. It is not wearing moccasins, which would be the red, yellow, and blue kind.
There are several pieces missing or that are different from the kokko’s outfit as compared to what the dancer would wear. It’s missing eagle down feathers on its head. It’s missing its rounded, red tab ears. It should wear a turquoise necklace. There should be beaded leather arm bands on both upper arms. Since it isn’t wearing yucca on its right wrist, it should have a bracelet and black yarn instead, and there should be a gourd rattle in its right hand. It should have a bow guard on the left wrist. It should have an evergreen ruff around its waist, and a fox pelt tied over the back of the kilt. There should be a turtle rattle tied to the back of the right calf, just below the knee.
In Collection(s)
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.