Zuni Kachina Dolls

A Zuni doll of the kachina known as Echo Old Man (Teshamikia). Zuni legend recounts that this was originally a Hopi kachina who long ago was called upon by the Zuni to close a widening gap in the earth that threatened to let the animals out from below and bring the Zuni bad luck. Afterwards he remained with the Zuni, who named him Echo Old Man because, as he could not speak the Zuni language, he simply repeated what was said to him. The Zuni name for kachina is koko. (Author's collection. Carved by Ben Siciwa, Zuni Pueblo. Height 10 1/8 inches)

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