Old Style Hopi Carved Half Harvester Half Clown Traditional Kachina Doll (Katsina Doll)

Description

Old Style Hopi Carved Half Harvester Half Clown Traditional Katsina Doll by Leonard Taho

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. A 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 Katsinas 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. This particular Katsina is a clownish figure that comes with the Katsinam during the late winter Powamuya ceremony. His humorous and irresponsible behavior make him quite lovable. He accompanies the Chief Katsinam as well as the fierce guards and warrior Katsinam.