Native American Hopi Carved Half Harvester Half Clown Kachina Doll (Katsina Doll)

Description

Native American Hopi Carved Half Harvester Half Clown Katsina Doll by Thomas Fredericks

This Katsina figure, the story goes, was created after a lightning storm split the Katsinam into many parts. As they were put back together, these two (the Harvester and the Clown) were put together incorrectly, and have remained that way. Harvester (Keme) is also known as Corn Dancer Katsina. The name Keme means "to the house" so he might be interpreted to be a going-home Katsina. This Katsina is one of the many corn Katsinam who appear regularly. He is a prayer for the fruition of corn and can appear in almost every dance. The colors on the face may vary. The Clown (Koshare) (Summer Clown) is known by many other names, including Kaisale (Winter Clown), Tsuku (Second and Third Mesa), Koyaal, and Hano (First Mesa) and Ho-e or Wo-e. Below his waist is a Laguna Corn Katsina and another Corn Katsina. This group piece with flowers, planets and stars is all about the harvest and the bounty that the spirits have given.