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Both the Hopi and Zuñi nations use the koyemsi katsina. Koyemsi translates roughly to “mudhead.” To the Hopi, the koyemsi represents the first being to emerge onto the earth from a sipapu, which is why he is covered in mud. This mudhead is marked on the bottom \"Hopi Koyemsi\" which places it firmly in the Hopi tradition, not the Zuni. The Mudhead is a clown, among other roles, and is used to transmit social values, correct behavior, and illustrate good behavior.
I fell for this Mudhead, which I have always called the \"executive mudhead\" because of his combination of western wear and traditional tribal garb. The thin necktie and white button down shirt are, at first, jarring. But if you consider the role of the Koyemsi as a clown, it soon looks perfectly coordinated to make you laugh. His outfit is completed, not with the traditional skirt made of an old dress, but with a beautifully carved blanket coat with striping at the closure and draped over the left sleeve and back. He has neatly carved feet in traditional footwear.
The signature and the label on the bottom, which appear to have been burned in with a knife, say \"Hopi Koyemsi S. Francis.\" This figure is carved from a single piece of Cottonwood including the platform on which he stands. He is 21\" tall.
