Kosa Appreciating Anything

Recognized as one of the leading contemporary Native American artists, Roxanne Swentzell continues the long tradition of Pueblo figurative sculpture, which includes objects produced for both ritual purposes and the tourist market. Collectively, these works affirm religious beliefs that have defined and sustained much of Pueblo Indian artistic creation from the earliest times to the present. This figure—a Pueblo clown, or Kosha— is a sacred being that appears in religious dances and performs numerous roles within the ceremonial structure. Often Kosha teach through their actions. This clown stares intently at his hand as though realizing for the first time its complexity and, through it, perhaps, the mystery of life: reminding us that reflection is frequently the prelude to wisdom.