Dig It - 1/23/25
Well Fellow Seekers, when I saw this Hopi carving of a Clown my jaw dropped, and after all these years, that does not happen very often. He is 11" tall, carved in a sitting position, and is holding a cylindrical object as if he is about to eat it. There is a piece of rolled paper slung over his shoulder, though I am not sure what this represents. Maybe it represents a blanket. This is an early kachina from the late 19th or very early 20th century.
Now, some so-called "experts" say that “action” dolls are a recent invention. However, that is just not true, as there are photos from the 1880s showing these "action" kachinas hanging on the walls inside of Hopi dwellings. Years ago, a so called "expert" told me an action doll I was selling could only be from 1950s at the earliest. Well, Fellow Seekers, that doll is currently on display at the Chicago Arts Institute. The crap old Lonesome has had to put up with over the years would kill an ordinary prospector.
Anyway, Clowns are interesting. They are half man and half god, which makes them crazy. At the dances and ceremonies, they regulate the mood of the crowd. If it is too serious they clown. If it is not serious enough, they ridicule people and keep them in line. Clowns often act as socio-political commentators, bringing problems and arguments of the community out in the open where they can hopefully be solved. Clowns are fascinating and a very important part of Pueblo culture and are worth reading up on. If you're interested, have a look at "The Delight Makers" by Adolph Bandelier. It takes place in prehistoric times and shows how Pueblo Societies of that time functioned and the part Clowns or Koshare played in them.
Ok! Enough clowning around; I’ve got to get on down the trail. - Lonesome. P.S. This Clown is for sale, Honk Honk!