I-M-165 Mudhead kachina.
The Mudhead (also known as a Koyemsi) is part of the larger grouping of figures at Hopi that portray the general role and function of clowns. The Mudhead are believed by the Hopi to be the product of an ancient incestuous relationship in which the offspring were forever condemned to be neither kachina nor true men. The Mudhead plays a much wider role than that of clown, however. Many actually act out in a serious fashion and have nothing to do with amusing antics. The Mudhead are divided into two major groups, those that originated with the Hopi and those that were borrowed from other pueblos.
This is a typical example of a Mudhead with brown mud painted body and wearing a kilt made from an old worn out woman’s dress. This doll also sports a black neckerchief and carries a white gourd rattle with black spots. His head mask is what inspires the name of Mudhead being a brown painted sack with various knobs, points and protrusions all indicating which type and, consequently, which role he plays during the ceremonies.
This example dates to the late 1940's or early 1950's and stands 8 1/2 inches h. $695.00