Three Kosharis Eating Watermelon in a Tree

Three Kosharis Eating Watermelon
in a Tree.  Displayed in front of
a drum made by a friend.

While thinking about a topic for today's post, my eyes looked up to see the Koshari Kachina looking at me from the top of my desk.  In fact, there are three, sitting in a tree, eating watermelon.  Some of you may not know what a Kashari is.

A Koshari is the name of a clown seen at pueblo festivals and dances.  The pueblo tribes have dances as a way to keep harmony with nature.  Each dance tells a story.  I won't go into any more detail about these dances because there are many kinds and a short explanation can be found here......Pueblo Ceremonies and Dances

At these dances Kosharis will act out...often on the edge inappropriate behavior.  They are loud and will poke fun at any unsuspecting mark....maybe following someone making comments or mimicking  that person...of course, all in fun.   An example would be someone who tends to be snooty or arrogant might be followed by a strutting Koshari holding his nose in the air.

 

 

 

 

The other Koshari my mother gave me
 Shirley Nelson-artist

Kosharis are often seen eating watermelons...making a mess...being loud and mimicking spectators.  They paint themselves in black and white stripes...so it is impossible to miss them. If you don't see any...beware...look behind to see if one is lurking nearby.

 

 

 

A. Francis- artist

My mother asked me what I wanted for Christmas a number of years ago.  I always gave a list with some things very simple... like note cards...to a bit out of the realm...like a Jaguar....and then lots of things in the middle...one of those was a Koshari Kachina.  Maxine got on Ebay and found these for me.  What a surprise.  I will treasure them forever.