Katsina Doll

Katsina dolls (or Katsinam) represent spirits or gods from the pantheon of the Pueblo peoples in the American Southwest. Given to children, Katsina dolls constituted a pedagogical tool allowing them to familiarize themselves with the spiritual world and perpetuating knowledge of the founding myths on which their society was based.

This Katsina doll, known by the Hopi name Tsakwaina (or Chakwaina) is sometimes referred to as Esteban the Moor by the Hopi and their Pueblo neighbors. This nickname stems from a historical event that allegedly took place during the Spanish Conquista in the 1530s, at the onset of the search for the Seven Cities of Cibola, the legendary "Eldorado." Esteban, a Moorish slave, was sent as a scout for the Spanish army on a mission to prepare for the arrival of troops and ensure a steady supply of food and shelter.
However, Zuni oral history recounts a different story. According to this version, Esteban violated a sacred boundary by crossing a line of corn pollen at the entrance of the now-disappeared village of Hawikuh. As a result, Zuni warriors killed him. Nevertheless, they recognized in hindsight his bravery for daring to come alone and defy the entire village. To commemorate this event, the Zuni decided to include the figure of a Black-faced Warrior, known as Tsakwaina, in their Katsina pantheon. The Hopi later adopted this Katsina figure too. The tongue protruding from the mouth — partially missing here — is believed to symbolize the death of Esteban at the hands of the Zuni archers.