Miniature Seated Koshare Eating Watermelon and Piki Bread
by Fletcher Healing, Hopi
cotton wood, pigment, cornhusk, yarn, leather
4" high x 2 1/4" wide x 3" deep
A Koshare is a sacred clown of the Hopi, one that you’re likely to see at Katsina ceremonies. Koshare are just one of several clown Katsina, and are considered important figures to the community.
Characterized by their distinctive black and white stripes, the Koshare are beloved in the Hopi Katsinam. Known for their outrageous antics, the Koshare use satire and humor to educate, correct improper behavior, and reinforce community values. You definitely don't want to get in the cross hairs of a Koshare, they might do a mocking imitation of you or an irreverent pantomime!
Gluttony is a trait that is greatly looked down upon among the Hopi. Koshare are often seen gobbling down watermelon, not sharing, messy and chewing loudly! In this depiction, Koshare not only has a whole watermelon to himself, put also has Piki Bread in his other hand ready to gobble down as well.
Fletcher Healing is the great-grandson of famed potter Nampeyo, and grandson of Annie Healing Nampeyo. Fletcher is well known for making seated Koshari Clown Kachinas. Unlike the rest of the family members, he was not a potter but chose to carve Katsina dolls.
