Neil David Sr. – Large Seated Gluttonous Koyaala

Neil David Sr. is one of the masters of Hopi clown carvings. He is also a prominent painter, sculptor, lithographer, etc. Here we have a large Koyaala or Koshare who is eating his watermelon so sloppily that it is dripping all over his chest. His face and pointing finger show considerable expression. This carving was made to sit on a book shelf or other flat surface. It does not have a base. Comically signed on his butt with Neil’s stylized signature and the date 1982. It is 13 1/2″ tall and 6″ wide. It has a painted canvas loincloth front and back. A classic example of Neil’s comedic talent. Neil is featured in my book, “The Great Tradition of Hopi Katsina Carvers, 1880 – Present.” (Rio Nuevo, Tucson). From the Brendelle and Fred Walden collection.