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Among the most renowned Zuni fetish carvers is Teddy Weahkee. This horned water serpent carved by Teddy features a shell and Blue Gem turquoise bundle wrapped over leather and a corn plug (feeding hole), which still contains a small amount of corn pollen. This fetish, as with many others were carved and sold to the public during this era. This amazing serpent measures 18 1/2" long and 5" diameter at its widest point. The horn is 4" tall. The serpent most certainly had feathers attached at one time, but have long since deteriorated. Only a tiny chip is broken off of the tongue, otherwise it is in excellent condition.
The Legend of Kolowisi, Water Serpent of Zuni Pueblo: The
horned water serpent is a hero in Zuni because he saved the Zuni people
from the flood. When the waters rushed into Zuni Pueblo, the people fled
to the top of their sacred mountain, Dowa Yallane (Corn Mountain), to
get above the flood. They were dying of thirst and starvation and so
said prayers to each of the six directions, asking for rescue. Kolowisi
heard their prayers and came from the West direction and rested his jaw
on top of Dowa Yallane and regurgitated fresh water, meat and seeds and
so saved the Zuni people. When the waters receded Kolowisi did not want
to go back to the West and so he now resides in the underground lake in
the South where the katsinas live.
Kolowisi is the guardian of the water sources and can move around in
aquifers and into Zuni River, Salt Lake, or any body of water. He is
very sacred and sometimes is brought into Zuni Pueblo as a katsina. The material used is deer antler.
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