White Warrior Kachina - Lot 12

White Warrior Kachina Salimopia Katsina Zuni, New Mexico Carved wood, pigments, feathers, fabric, nails, leather H. 24.5 cm (without base) Early 20th century Provenance : - Collection Galerie Flak, Paris - Collection Léo Scheer & Nathalie Rheims, acquired from previous owners between 1999 and 2003 Majestic antique Salimopia figure. 24.5 cm high, it is painted with pigments applied to a lime base. Its rounded eyes are set in a horizontal black band. The tubular nose barely emerges from the large ruff of black feathers around the neck. Two rosettes appear on the sides of the mask, symbolizing flowering and the direction of the cardinal points. The figure wears a painted cloth kilt adorned with geometric motifs and held in place by a belt. In his hand, he carries a staff symbolizing the Keeper's strength. One of his bracelets is made of metal-covered leather (tinplate), while his other arm is adorned with turquoise, a stone sacred to the Zuni (for details on the use of turquoise ornaments, please refer to lot 27 of this sale). The Kachina's arms are articulated, a Zuni Kachina characteristic. The richness of the decoration and clothing, as well as the magnetic presence of this guardian warrior figure, are quite exceptional. According to Zuni myths, the Salimopia are Guardian Kachinas, members of the Council of the Gods. Embodying youth, beauty and strength, they play the role of messengers, bringing in the wind in particular. This character is also present among the Hopi under the name of Sipikine, where they play the role of protective warriors (see lots 38 and 39 in this catalog). The "Pope of Surrealism", André Breton, a great lover and collector of Kachinas, owned a mask depicting this spirit.