Hopi Koshari as a Chicken Thief [SOLD]

The black and white striped clowns are probably the best-known of all clowns observed at the pueblos. They are known as Koshari or Koosa clowns, depending on the pueblo. They are generally believed to be Hopi clowns but actually they are Hopi-Tewa clowns. They arrived at Hopi with the Tewa immigrants in the eighteenth century. They have been so integrated into Hopi culture that they may be seen at all three mesas.

We think of the function of the clowns as only to amuse, but these clowns are sacred clowns and are purveyors of mores of the village and responsible for seeing that traditions are maintained. Their humor is used to point out to the Hopi those things that are not acceptable behavior.

In the instance of this carving of a Chicken Thief, perhaps the lesson being demonstrated is that it is wrong to steal, or, perhaps, this is strictly a clowning activity. At any rate, it is a popular rendition of the clown figure and one that several carvers have made.

This is an older carving but it is in original excellent condition. The artist carved his name into the pedestal on the rear of the piece and a date that appears to be 99.