Neil David
Jr.
Crying Fowl
8 3/4"
H with 1/2" base
Following in the footsteps
of his world famous father, Neil David Jr. brings this charming
rendition of the Chicken Thief to life.
The Koshare are known for
their crazy antics, and this one is no exception. Diving into
the gravel beneath his feet, the clown barely gets a hold on
one leg of this unsuspecting chicken.
Modestly sized and priced,
this piece would make a great addition for any fan of Hopi clowns!
Because they do not wear masks,
the Koshare or Hano Clown are technically not kachinas; however,
they play an important role among and integrate with the serious
katsina.
Their primary functions are
to amuse the audience during pauses in kachina dances, to provide
leavening for the seriousness of a major ceremony and, like many
of the kachinas, teach lessons or give social commentary with
their actions.
The Koshare figures are both
sacred and profane. Their highly amusing actions display what
others would not want to be caught doing in public. They usually
overdo everything to show just how ridiculous inappropriate behavior
can be.
Koshare are also considered
gluttons, which is why Koshare dolls are often shown gorging
themselves on watermelon.
