Black and white paintings by Yazz are not as prevalent as those in brilliant colors, but they are just as wonderful and just as well executed. This painting portrays a Navajo man all decked out in his finest clothing and hat riding his donkey, most likely to a social or ceremonial function. He is wearing a patterned shirt over which he wears a vest, new looking Levi pants, a concha belt and his wide-brimmed hat.

Yazz did an exceptional job of providing detail in the male figure as well as in the donkey. There is sufficient landscape detail as well, more than usually seen in a small painting. The black is sufficiently strong and dense and provides a generous contrast to the creamy white background of the mat.

Yazz was an exceptional artist and never rushed a painting to the finish; rather he spent considerable time executing it to the finest detail. To say he took pride in his work would be an understatement. As collectors, we are fortunate that he experienced the friendship and was mentored by the Lippincotts, traders at Wide Ruins Trading Post.

Condition: The painting is in original excellent condition. It has never been framed and is currently shrink-wrapped for protection. It is signed in lower right.

Provenance: This painting is among a collection from the Balcomb family, formerly owners of an art gallery which they closed in 1976.