Navajo Pictorial / Pueblo Buffalo Dance

Terry DeWald American Indian Art

A unique, and special Navajo woven pictorial depicting a Pueblo Buffalo Dance.  This rare textile shows a Pueblo woman in traditional dress holding Ceremonial Eagle Feathers, in between two Pueblo male dancers with Buffalo headdresses which are adorned with Eagle Feathers as they are holding bows with Eagle Feathers, and wearing traditional skirts distinctively showing the Avanyu Water Serpent around their waists.  The Avanyu among Tewa speaking tribes symbolizes the Water Serpent with its critical life giving gift of water as a sustainer of life, symbolizing the return of crops in spring and the rains.  This is a celebration of thanksgiving performed in the winter

It is quite rare to see a Navajo pictorial portraying or attempting to depict a Pueblo Dance.  However, the Navajo / Dineh  have performed dances dedicated to the spirit of the Buffalo for providing food, clothing, and tools to help them sustain their lives.  Nevertheless, this weaving clearly depicts these animated figures as Pueblo, not Navajo,  as evidenced by their attire.

Equally interesting are the two Eagles seen above the dancers, perhaps as a blessing, and the polychrome Vallero Stars believed to have been introduced to the Navajo at Bosque Redondo, reflecting cultural exchanges between the Navajo and Spanish settlers, symbolizing fortune and good luck in their weavings.

A noteworthy, remarkable, and significant historic weaving.  Quite splendid.

Circa 1930

Excellent condition

Code ML-A

$5,500.00

Artwork details