Koyemshi
Also called Athlashi, Koyimshi, Mudheads.
Koyemshi, or Mudheads, are Zuni ceremonial clown figures whose comic, transgressive public behavior coexists with recognized power over rain and violent weather.
At a glance
- Tradition
- Zuni folklore
- Region
- American Southwest (place of origin)
- Trait family
- The Rain-Holders
Near this figure
and 1 more
Traits
Read from the figure's description, which a model wrote. Open "why" for the sentence a trait came from.
Behaviour
- Embodied through masked ceremonial performer
why
Koyemshi, often translated "Mudheads," are ceremonial figures of Zuni religious tradition, identifiable by rounded, knobbed masks the color of wet clay and bodies coated in matching mud-toned pigment.
Offensive powers
- Weather manipulation
why
Koyemshi, or Mudheads, are Zuni ceremonial clown figures whose comic, transgressive public behavior coexists with recognized power over rain and violent weather. Koyemshi, often translated "Mudheads," are ceremonial figures of Zuni religious tradition, identifiable by rounded, knobbed masks the color of wet clay and bodies coated in matching mud-toned pigment.
Roles
Judged from the works' own entries, not from the description. Carries: the figure holds the role. Meets: the role is in its stories, held by something it meets.
- Shadow carries both readings
3 citations
- Carol Rose, Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins, s.v. "Koyemshi."
- Richard Erdoes and Alfonso Ortiz, editors, American Indian Myths and Legends.
- Theresa Bane, Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore, s.v. "Koyemshi."
- Trickster carries both readings
3 citations
- Carol Rose, Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins, s.v. "Koyemshi."
- Richard Erdoes and Alfonso Ortiz, editors, American Indian Myths and Legends.
- Theresa Bane, Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore, s.v. "Koyemshi."