American Navajo Made Clown Kachina Doll on Swing

Description

Native American Navajo Made Clown Kachina Doll on Swing by Alfred Benally

A very popular Kachina, he is easily recognized when painted with horizontal black and white stripes over his entire body. He is usually shown in a humorous pose, gorging on watermelon or some other food. There are many varieties of this Kachina. His primary function is one of amusement for the audience during pauses in Kachina dancing or as a leavening for the seriousness of a major ceremony. Oftentimes there is an object lesson on improper behavior or a social commentary present in the skits and actions of the clowns. It is said that the Clown Kachina is considered the conscience of the people.