Original Painting of Navajo Gamblers [R]

Andy Tsihnahjinnie was born near Chinle, Arizona in 1916. He attended elementary school at the Indian School at Fort Apache, but ran away and returned back to the reservation. He then attended school in Santa Fe and became a student of Dorothy Dunn at the Santa Fe Indian School. He was an avid student and was known to have stayed in the studio painting until forced to return to the dormitory. Following his graduation he went to work as an illustrator for the Indian Service.

Tsihnahjinnie’s best work is his portrayal of Navajo life and ceremonies. He is known for his attention to detail in paintings. This painting of the gamblers is an excellent example of Tsihnahjinnie’s ability to intricately describe elements of the Navajo lifestyle. Four groups of Navajo are engaging in their favorite pastime, gambling. They are sitting on blankets in circles. He has captured the distinctive facial features of the Navajo as well as the details of traditional clothing. In the background spectators are watching and some people are arriving on horseback. This painting is a great example of the range of talent of Andy Tsihnahjinnie.

The artist signed his name in lower right as Tsinajinnie. Over the period of his career, Tsihnahjinnie signed his name in several spellings. We are using the spelling published in two books that contain information of his life and life’s work.

The painting is matted and framed in a traditional dark wood frame. It appears to be in original excellent condition; however, it has not been examined out of the frame.