Native American Hopi Carved Clown Katsina Doll--Vintage

Description

Vintage Native American Hopi Clown Katsina Doll by Thomas Collateta (dec. 2018)

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 Tsuku and appers only in the afternoon during the spring and summer plaza dancers. These are the sacred clowns. The Clown has a complex ceremonial role, giving wisdom and advice as well as poking fun at unacceptable behavior. The Clown is said to be a glutton, always overdoing it whether he is making fun of the dancers, trying to get the children to behave during ceremonies, eating watermelon, or commenting on Hopi behavior. They are generally amusing and do things that no Hopi or anyone else would want to be caught doing. They are often depicted with a watermelon. This carving by Thomas Collateta shows a clown holding a slice of watermelon and a bottle of 7-up. We are grateful to have this wonderful and unusual carving.