Blackware Mudhead by Paul & Dorothy Gutierrez, Santa Clara Pueblo

Blackware Mudheadby Paul and Dorothy Gutierrez, Santa Clara Puebloclay1.5” high x 2.25” long x 1.5” deep In several Pueblo traditions, the Mudhead Clown is a masked figure who works as disciplinarian, joker, and village cryer. The early Hopi variation of this figure is called Tachukti, meaning “Ball-On-Head”; however, around 1860 the Zuni variation, known as Koyemsi or Koyemshi, rose to prominence in cultural studies of the western Pueblos. The anglicized term "Mudhead Clown" derives from the appearance of the Koyemsi mask, which is covered with loosely-formed mud balls that form vaguely human-like features.  The Mudhead Clown acts in secondary roles, such as spokespersons for the other kachinas. While neither a priest nor ceremonial dancer, the Mudhead Clown is a part of many social gatherings, performing as curers, directors, warriors, messengers, sages, and tricksters. The Gutierrez's are a husband and wife team that specialize in Native American Indian figurative pottery.  Paul "Wh