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- 210728-53 Hopi Many Colored Clown Kachina / Katsina Doll; 11" Kaisale by Earl Arthur Fireclan
210728-53 Hopi Many Colored Clown Kachina / Katsina Doll; 11" Kaisale by Earl Arthur Fireclan
Hopi Kachina / Katsina Doll; 11" Kaisale by Earl Arthur Fireclan
Late 20th Century
Koosa is the umbrella term for the clowns of the Tewa and they may be subdivided into the Kwirena, the winter clowns, and the Koshari, the summer clowns. At Hopi, the Tewa Kwirena is known as the Kaisale. The Kaisale are most often associated with the moon and cold, or winter, according to Barton Wright, noted Katsina authority. He states that the single horn that adorns the top of the head is frequently referred to as ice, an icicle, or an ice mother. At the tip of the horn are long shreds of corn husk. The body is painted in colorful horizontal stripes.
Although considered to be clowns, that function is not the most important as it is with the Koshari. The Kaisale are concerned with sprouting or germination of corn. Interestingly, the name Kaisale is an alternate name for the Koshari at Zuni Pueblo.
Hand Carved Cottonwood Root
Due to the fragile nature of kachina dolls, we do not guarantee they will not break during shipping. We do our best to pack them well, but due to their fragile nature and even with the best packing, small pieces can break. If you are purchasing kachina dolls, please keep this in mind.