Murphy Saufkie
Koshare
11 1/2"
total height
"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)
The always mischievous and
sometimes gluttonous Koshari 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.
Murphy Saufkie was born June
9th, 1971 at Tuba City. His parents are Jenny Roy and Andrew
Saufkie. His mother is of the Coyote Clan and his father is from
the Bear Clan. Murphy comes from a family full of fine artists.
His mother&hibar;s family
are well known for their fine Kachinas. Her brothers are Coolidge,
David and Silas Roy. Andrew's father is the famous Hopi artist,
Paul Saufkie.
Murphy has two other brothers
who carve Kachinas. They are Arvin and Ruben. Murphy learned
to carve from watching his uncles carve. He was given his first
piece of wood to carve by David Roy when he was in junior high.
Murphy's favorite Kachina to carve is Hilili.
He enjoys carving it because
it has more sashes and belts so it is more of a challenge. He
likes to carve action and the realistic anatomy of the Kachina.
He is also an artist and enjoys drawing.
Murphy won 1st place, Best in Category and Best in Class at the
O'Odham Tash in 2001.