Dance Sash with Hopi Pueblo Brocaded Ends [SOLD]

These dance sashes are often seen on dancers during Katsina dances. They have not changed in style appreciably since the late 1800s. James Stevenson collected an example in 1879 that is the same as those seen today. They are woven on a narrow upright loom in two identical pieces, each approximately 45 inches long and 12 inches wide. When completed, their undecorated upper ends are lashed together to make a long sash.

The two ends have been elaborately patterned by a technique known as “Hopi brocade” although it is technically not true brocade. The name was assigned in 1938 by Frederic H. Douglas, and has been retained since. According to Kate Peck Kent, it is a curious process and may be a Pueblo invention, unlike anything known from other cultures.

This sash was awarded Second Premium at the 1966 Gallup Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial by E. Boyd Hall.

Condition: The sash is in remarkable condition.

Provenance: From the personal collection of Frances Balcomb, owner of Balcomb's Gallery, at one time located in Arizona, then Taos, Gallup, and Albuquerque, but closed since 1976.