Marlin Pinto
Koshare Clown
14 1/4"
total height
Marlin Pinto is a Zuni/Hopi
carver who is especially well known for his Koshare Clowns, although
he carves a variety of dolls. He has won many awards, and is
very sought after for the consistent high quality of his work.
"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)
