Manuel Cleveland

Koshare Clown

10 3/4" total height


The always mischievous and sometimes gluttonous Koshare are perfect satire of normal village life. Their facial features, posture, and body movements tell us so much about the attitude of life in the Hopi plaza.

"Koshari or Koyala is the name of a Rio Grande clown that is often seen on the Hopi Mesas. The Hopis very frequently call this clown the Hano or Tewa clown as the Tewa of that village seem to have introduced this personage to the Hopi mesas.

These clowns are considered to be the fathers of the kachinas. They behave in the usual manner of pueblo clowns, engaging in loud and boisterous conversation, immoderate actions, and gluttony.

They are often drummers for other dances."

- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi Artist's Documentary (239)

With watermelon in each hand and a carving knife by his side, this figure really comes to life.


Manuel Cleveland was born on the 4th of September, 1964. He is from Second Mesa.

Manuel is the son of a Hopi mother and a Navajo father, which, according to Hopi tradition, makes him Hopi. Even though his father is Navajo, he is acknowledged as one of the better carvers of the Hopi Hano Clowns or Koshare.

Manuel was an astute student of this style and his carving therefore is very distinct. Manuel is married and has four children and currently lives in Tsayatoh, NM.

Gallery Price: $450.00

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