Original Hopi Pueblo Painting Entitled “Home Dancer” by Tuvahoema [SOLD]

A student of Indian schools at Hopi Pueblo as well as in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, Kyrate Tuvahoema (1914-1942), was known for his depictions of katsinas that were “tall and lean, but with good detail and color in costume, mask, and paraphernalia.” (Southwest Indian Painting: A Changing Art, by Clara Lee Tanner). Modeling, or the use of shading to give depth, was not Tuvahoema’s strong suit, but his drafting was thought to be very precise.

This painting, which is titled by the artist at the bottom, is “Home Dancer,” and depicts a Hemis Katsina figure in full regalia. The detail is very nice and the colors are true to what one would see in an actual Pueblo dance. Tuvahoema also captured subtle action with the positioning of the figure’s feet, arms and hands.

Condition: For the age of the piece, the painting is in overall very good condition with the exception of a couple of very light water stains, almost indistinguishable, on the left margin and the lower to mid-right of the painting. The wood frame has minor nicks. The painting is matted with acid-free materials.

Provenance: ex. coll. California Indian painting collector