Adobe Gallery Blog
Two Santa Clara Pueblo Koosa Clowns by Pablita Velarde - C3469E
Category: Paintings | Posted by | Mon, Aug 8th 2016, 2:50pm
Pablita Velarde (1918-2006) Tse Tsan - Golden Dawn was from Santa Clara Pueblo and was able to accurately portray cultural life events. As in this example, during a ceremonial plaza dance, the Koosa are not clowns and are not intended to amuse. They represent the spirits of the ancestors or Ancients of the people, those who have direct influence with the gods. During such dances, the Koosa dance with the performers but are not to be seen as they are supposedly invisible. During a dance ceremony there is nothing but the utmost seriousness by the Koosa. There is no clowning at any time. Clowning, such as chasing the children and making advances to the women, is indulged outside the dance.