Koshare with Child - Kerry David Hopi Kachina Doll
The Katsina:
"Koshari or Koyala is the name of a Rio Grande clown that is often seen on the Hopi Mesas. The Hopis very frequently call this clown the Hano or Tewa clown as the Tewa of that village seem to have introduced this personage to the Hopi mesas.
These clowns are considered to be the fathers of the Kachinas. They behave in the usual manner of pueblo clowns, engaging in loud and boisterous conversation, immoderate actions, and gluttony.
They are often drummers for other dances.
This clown is shown in the company of a child trustingly and happily holding on to him. Note the clutching of the clowns fingers by the child's right hand.
The Carver:
Kerry Lyle David is from Walpi on First Mesa. He is about 40 years old. He has been carving kachina dolls for about 30 years, yet he has been carving one-piece kachina dolls only since about 1985.
Kerry uses only hand tools in making his carvings. He credits his skill to the teachings of his grandfather, Abbott, his father, Leslie, and his uncle, Gorman David. And he says he has also been influenced a lot by his uncle, Neil David, Sr., and from watching other master carvers such as Cecil Calnimptewa and Lowell Talashoma, Sr.
His inspiration, however, always comes from watching the Kachinas in the dances.
Kerry and his work are featured in Theda Bassman's Hopi Kachina Dolls and their Carvers, Helga Teiwes' Kachina Dolls, The Art of Hopi Carvers, and The Hopi Approach to the Art of Kachina Doll Carving by Erik Bromberg, among others.
Ref.: www.ancientnations.com
Item No.: KD.0040
Artist: Kerry David
Size: 9 1/4 in H
Price: 1,350
