Sitting Tasavu Clown Painting a Katsina Doll by Neil David [SOLD]

Carved around 1987, this remarkable Katsina figure by renowned Hopi artist Neil David captures the Tasavu Clown in a rare moment of focused artistry. Seated with one eye closed in concentration, the clown carefully paints a Katsina doll, a striking contrast to his usual role as a satirical performer. The Tasavu, or Navajo Clown, is part of the Quasi Clowns, known for their exaggerated portrayals of the Diné people in Hopi performances.

The carving showcases exceptional details, including a "Hopi Kachina" carving manual, open to pages depicting the Black Ogre and Mudhead Katsinam, adding a layer of authenticity and humor. A painter's palette featuring primary colors rests beside him, emphasizing the vivid distinction between the earthy tones of the Tasavu Clown's living skin and the bright, symbolic hues of the Katsina he is painting. His intricately carved hair tie and expressive posture bring further realism to the piece, making this a masterful representation of Hopi cultural expression.

Neil Randall David Sr. (b. 1944) is a Hopi-Tewa artist from Hano on First Mesa, Arizona, and a founding member of Artist Hopid, a group dedicated to sharing Hopi culture through art. Initially recognized for his paintings, he is now best known for his Katsina doll carvings, which vividly depict Hopi ceremonial life.

Raised in a community where artistic expression is an integral part of daily life, David's work reflects the deep spiritual and cultural traditions of the Hopi people. His carvings, paintings, and sculptures capture the significance of Katsinam, Hopi ceremonies, and the sacred balance between the physical and spiritual worlds.

Beyond wood carvings, David has expanded his artistic reach to murals, bronze, lithographs, and porcelain sculptures, ensuring that Hopi heritage is shared in accessible and enduring forms. His work remains a powerful bridge between the Hopi way of life and the broader world, honoring the past while engaging with contemporary artistic mediums.

What is a Kachina?

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: This Sitting Tasavu Clown Painting a Katsina Doll by Neil David is from the estate of an Adobe Gallery client.

Recommended Reading: KACHINAS: a Hopi artist's documentary by Barton Wright

TAGS: Neil Randall David, Sr., Hopi-Tewa Carver, Native American Paintings, Katsina dolls, Hopi Pueblo, Native Drawing, Native Painting, Carving, Hopi-Tewa , Bronze, Neil David, Jr.