This drawing by Joseph Poncho of Cochiti Pueblo illustrates the many things that go on during a feast day. There are Buffalo dancers, drummers with drums, women with beautifully decorated bowls and baskets full of food, women baking bread and spectators. Notice the pair of deer carefully laid out on a manta and covered with another manta.

The drawing appears to have been executed in Conte Crayon and pencil. It is shrink-wrapped in a frameless frame and probably was displayed in that manner. A label on verso states BIA 59/546 Joseph Poncho Cochiti. One could assume that it was displayed at a Bureau of Indian Affairs facility but I have been unable to confirm this. The number 59 could be the date of acquisition.

A source at Cochiti Pueblo told me that Joseph Poncho lived in Albuquerque and passed away in August 2011 and was buried at Cochiti Pueblo. Perhaps he worked at a BIA facility in Albuquerque or perhaps this was a painting that was displayed there among others. At any rate, it is a wonderful ethnographic record of feast day activities.

Condition: The drawing is in original excellent condition.