Jemez Pueblo Ceremonial Dance Figure by Jose Rey Toledo [SOLD]

This early painting by Jemez Pueblo artist Jose Rey Toledo was completed on June 18, 1944. It is signed "Morning Star", a translation of his Towa name Shobah Woonhon. It is an image of a Ceremonial Dance figure in elaborate and beautiful dance clothing. His long exquisitely embroidered shirt hangs over an equally beautiful, embroidered kilt. He wears cotton woven leggings over which are cuffs with bells, which provide a beautiful sound when he dances. His moccasins are decorated with skunk hair. On his back is a fan of feathers.

José Rey Toledo (1915-1994) Shobah Woonhon (Morning Star) from Jemez Pueblo, was a man of many interests and talents. He is listed as having been an art instructor, education health specialist, administrator of Indian health programs, actor, educator, lecturer, muralist, and painter. It is this last category—painter—that is of particular interest to Adobe Gallery. His interest in painting was sparked by his cousin Velino Shije Herrera (Ma Pe Wi) of Zia Pueblo. Toledo attended the Albuquerque Indian School in the 1930s, then went to the University of New Mexico. By 1955, he had obtained a master's degree. After his time at UNM, he served as head of the art department at the Santa Fe Indian School. He obtained a Master of Public Health degree from the University of California Berkeley in 1972.

Toledo painted infrequently while pursuing his degrees. Today, it is rare to find his works available on the market. Most of his paintings are traditional pueblo in style and subject matter—single or group dance figures and village scenes. Usually, the dance figures show a great deal of activity. Generally, he did not paint background scenes, just flat figures against a plain background. Despite not being as prolific as his contemporaries, he is highly regarded by collectors. The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe, New Mexico, mounted a retrospective of his works in 1994, just months before he passed away.

Condition: excellent original condition

Provenance: this Jemez Pueblo Ceremonial Dance Figure by Jose Rey Toledo is from a gentleman from Arizona

Recommended Reading: DANCING SPIRITS: José Rey Toledo, Towa Artist (1915-1994) by Susan Scarberry-García for the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture exhibit

TAGS: Jemez Pueblo, Velino Shije Herrera - Ma Pe Wi, Zia Pueblo, paintings, José Rey Toledo