HOPI FIGURE

Joseph Jacinto Mora (1876-1947), Monterey, acquired when living near Oraibi between 1904-1906

Jo N. Mora Jr, Monterey, by descent from the above

George Terasaki, New York, acquired from the above in March, 1972

Alexandra Pascassio and George Terasaki, Kachina: George Terasaki Collection, Paris, 2008, n.p., cat. no. 9

While not a kachina, Koshare(s) play a vital role in kachina dances. They represent a clown spirit, who in addition to entertaining spectators through comedic performance, also demonstrate unacceptable behavior. In this way, Koshares serve a vital function as the guardians of societal norms, as they hold the unique position in Hopi culture of straddling the sacred and the profane.