Miniature Seated Koshare with Watermelon
by Fletcher Healing, Hopi
cotton wood, pigment, cornhusk, yarn, leather
4" high x 2 1/4" wide x 3" deep
Koshare is a sacred clown of the Hopi, one that you’re likely to see at Katsina ceremonies. He is one of several clowns, which are sometimes called jesters or tricksters. He is a powerful figure and important to the community.
If you’re in the presence of a Koshare, he is often making noise with a rattle and a drum. The Hopi religion associates him with fertility, sun, rain and corn. It is believed that these things give him power. He also has the double role of characterizing a paranormal spirit and being a society organizer. To involve the audience in his antics, he likes to imitate their behavior and include them in amusing skits.
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.
