Navajo Folk Carving

All people groups in every corner of the world have folk art which represent the color, art and creativity of their culture.  Most often this folk art is created by self trained artists using every day life around them as inspiration.  The Pueblo Indians culture have the wisdom, whimsey and creativity of the KOSHARE.

The Koshare

The Koshare, or the sacred Clown Kachina, is often seen during Kachina ceremonies on top of the Hopi Mesas. Sometimes referred to as jesters, jokesters, or tricksters, they provide amusement and relief during Kachina ceremonies. But they have a double purpose. Through their antics, they can provide social commentary on an audience or clan member, or society.

A koshare’s appearance is as distinct as any other Kachina. The face is painted white with black circles surrounding the mouth and eyes. Through the use of a skull cap, rolled corn husks stick out from the cap to look like horns, which are often ornamented.

In the Hopi tradition, the Sacred Clown Kachina will frequently disturb and disrupt dances and rituals. The clown will also make fun of Hopi life by acting out and exaggerating improper behavior. Many times the actions are meant to portray a lesson on behavior apparent in a tribal member. The clown may also play tricks, perform over exaggerated pantomimes or mimic spectators. In a manner more light-hearted than the more serious (or very serious) Kachinas, the clown reminds people of agreed upon standards of conduct and behavior within the Hopi community, thus helping to maintain community harmony.

Navajo (Dine') wood carver Virgil Wood, from Santosee, New Mexico, has become famous for his comical use of Koshare carvings. His wide-smiling and easily recognizable figures do provide funny commentary of Native American pueblo life. But his carvings also take aim at American society in general, making fun of any profession or type of person you can think of, from sports figures to fishermen, from accountants to insurance salesmen. No one is off limits to his ironic societal commentary. He has also begun creating carved figures of many pop culture icons including Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Star Wars, the Minions, the Grinch, and Toy Story. Virgil (and his wife Bertha) have created quite the following, because his work is fun, enjoyable, and very collectible.

Touch of Turquoise has MANY professions, hobbies and representations available of the Koshare.

More photos to come!