Young Diné (Navajo) Boy Gathering Corn [SOLD]

Most of Beatien Yazz's work reflects the everyday lives of the Navajo. He has always been a master of detail; painting the special nuances that make reservation life unique. In the instance of this painting he is showing a young Navajo boy going about his chores, gathering fresh corn from the plants. His faithful dog companion follows behind—even though it is raining. The boy is barefoot, dressed in jeans, shirtless, and wearing a large hat with a silver hatband.

Yazz was born around 1928 and became enchanted with drawing and painting at a very early age. There were no other Navajo artists doing such at that time. None were making a living from being artists and easel art was virtually unknown to the very isolated Indians on the Navajo Reservation. Yazz may be the first Navajo to earn a living on the reservation as a painter of art.

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.