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Overview
A set of five hand-carved and painted Southwestern kachina dolls: a larger seated Koshare clown and four miniature dancers. The clown holds a slice of watermelon in each hand and sits on a separate dark wooden stand. He has black-and-white striped body paint, a black-and-white face with an open red mouth, black fur-like hair, a striped headdress topped with two turquoise leather tassels, bright blue trousers and red high-top sneakers. The four miniatures are a Mudhead, a Hoop Dancer holding two hoops, an Eagle Dancer with feathered wings, and a second clown with red leather ornaments. Each one stands on a round wooden base and is dressed with leather strips, cloth kilts, feathers and painted detail. Together they make a lively, colorful group for a shelf, display cabinet or desk.
Background
Kachina (Katsina) figures represent characters from the ceremonial life of the Pueblo peoples of the American Southwest, and the Koshare clown eating watermelon is one of the best-known subjects. Carved dancer and clown figures like these have long been made for collectors. The four miniatures are handwritten on their bases with their names ("Mud Head", "Hoop Dancer", "Eagle Dancer" and "Clown") and "06 BB", most likely the year 2006 and the maker's initials. The maker has not been identified, and no tribal affiliation is claimed. The larger clown and the stand are unmarked.
Condition
Good condition, with no breaks or missing parts that we can see. There is light wear and a few small marks to the paint, and the feathers, leather strips and hoops are delicate. The clown is not attached to the stand; it sits on it and lifts off. Please see all photos.
Dimensions & Weight
The seated clown is 6 x 3.5 x 2.5 inches (H x W x D). Each miniature is about 3.5 x 1 x 1 inches (H x W x D), not counting feathers and leather ornaments. The five figures weigh about 2.9 oz together, not counting the stand.
Shipping
Free standard shipping within the US, packed securely.
