Loretta Yestewa, Seated Koshare Katsina carving

Koshare 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. He is usually painted with wide horizontal stripes of black and white. He often wears a skull cap that also features black and white stripes. This clown has corn husks attached to his head covering, wears a shell and bead necklace, a bracelet on his left arm, carries a slice of watermelon in one hand and a roll of piki in the other.