Miniature Koshare Decorating Christmas Tree by Alfred Lomahquahu, Hopi

Miniature Koshare Decorating Christmas Tree by Alfred Lomahquahu, Hopicotton wood, pigment4" high x 3" wide x 4" deepKoshare is a sacred clown of the Hopi, one that you’re likely to see at Katsina ceremonies. He is one of several clowns, which are sometimes called jesters or tricksters. He is a powerful figure and important to the community. If you’re in the presence of a Koshare, he is often making noise with a rattle and a drum. The Hopi religion associates him with fertility, sun, rain and corn. It is believed that these things give him power. He also has the double role of characterizing a paranormal spirit and being a society organizer. To involve the audience in his antics, he likes to imitate their behavior and include them in amusing skits. Alfred "Bo" Lomahquahu was born at Keams Canyon, Arizona in April, 1964. He was raised in the small Hopi village of Bacavi, high atop Third Mesa, in Northern Arizona. He learned early the wisdom of accepting and following his elder's counsel