The Koshare are sacred clowns in the Hopi ceremonies. They are powerful figures who play the trickster, but also the protector and teacher of social customs by using ridicule to point out unacceptable behavior.
This carved cottonwood Hopi Koshare doll has broad black and white stripes on his arms, body and face, striped horns on his head tufted with real straw, and also straw bundles at his ears. The jish bag on his chest is carved in relief, as is his traditional-style hair; his loincloth is made with fabric scraps. It is remarkable that this doll survived a California forest fire, still showing some blistered paint and smoke damage. Circa 1950s, 7 ½ inches tall.
The Koshare are sacred clowns in the Hopi ceremonies. They are powerful figures who play the trickster, but also the protector and teacher of social customs by using ridicule to point out unacceptable behavior.
This carved cottonwood Hopi Koshare doll has broad black and white stripes on his arms, body and face, striped horns on his head tufted with real straw, and also straw bundles at his ears. The jish bag on his chest is carved in relief, as is his traditional-style hair; his loincloth is made with fabric scraps. It is remarkable that this doll survived a California forest fire, still showing some blistered paint and smoke damage. Circa 1950s, 7 ½ inches tall.
