Arizona
Southwest / Hopi

Gourd, pigment, leather strips, cotton wood
ca. 1999
Length; 10.5 in
Idiophones – Struck Idiophones – Rattles

Signed: R. Sumatz Ku Ku ’99”

A unique rattle of the Hopi made in the form of “Koshare,” a Clown (Joker) Kachina.  The “Koshare” is a sacred clown of the Hopi and is sometimes called a jester or trickster.  He is considered a powerful figure in the community and in Hopi religion is associated with fertility, sun, rain, and corn, which is believed to give him power.  He also has a duel role of characterizing a paranormal spirit and being a society organizer.

There are a number of these “Koshare” figures in the ritual practice of the Pueblo people.  Each having a unique role; belonging to separate Kivas (secret societies or confraternities) and each with a name that differs from one mesa or pueblo to another.

Resource: https://blog.kachinahouse.com/koshare-the-sacred-clown-of-the-hopi/