Group of Three One Horn Dancers [SOLD]

Russell Sanchez of San Ildefonso explained this painting to me and I will attempt to put it in writing.  These men are One Horn Dancers and they go from the kiva early in the morning and out to the hills to accompany the Animal Dancers (Buffalo, Deer, Antelope, etc.) back to the plaza where they join and dance all day.  Late in the afternoon, females dance with them.  This is done only once every four years. 

It is difficult to see the one horn because it is black in color and blends in with the black hair of the dancers.  The horn is on one side of the head and a fan of feathers (either eagle or turkey, depending on the kiva performing) is on the opposite side of the head.  The white spots on the head and hair are eagle down and represent snow (used in winter only).  The dancers wear kilts with a serpent painted on and tin cones pendant from the bottom.  There are leather strips tied around the legs.

Julian Martinez (Pocano - Coming of the Spirits) was born in 1885 (source: Richard Spivey) in San Ildefonso Pueblo in New Mexico, and died on March 6, 1943 in San Ildefonso Pueblo. He is perhaps best known for the designs he painted on his wife's, Maria Martinez, famous pottery. Martinez had no formal art training. He was the father of Popovi Da, also a well-known Pueblo artist.

Condition: appears to be in very good condition but was delivered to us framed and we have not examined it out of the frame.

Provenance: from the collection of a family from Pennsylvania

Recommended Reading:  Modern by Tradition: American Indian Painting in the Studio Style by Bruce Bernstein