San Ildefonso Buffalo Dance Group [SOLD]

J. D. Roybal, whose full name was José Disiderio Roybal, and who’s Tewa name was Oquwa (Rain God), was a well-known painter from San Ildefonso Pueblo. He was born on November 7, 1922 at San Ildefonso, the son of Tonita and Juan Cruz Roybal. He passed away June 28, 1978. He was a nephew of Alfonso Roybal (Awa Tsireh).  He did a bit of painting in the 1930s but was not very productive until the 1950s. He was most productive in the 1960-1970 decade.

It is most likely that this is a painting from his early career.  J. D. Roybal was greatly influenced by Awa Tsireh, his uncle.  That influence is quite evident in this full frontal view of the participants in a Buffalo Dance.  Awa Tsireh frequently painted his subjects full frontal and with the moon-shaped faces.  J. D. Roybal later moved away from this style but it was evident in earlier paintings.

J. D. Roybal generally outlined his paintings in ink or pencil and then filled in with paints.  In this painting, it appears that he followed the outlining on the interior of white areas with a watered solution of blue ink.  As was the style of all the early San Ildefonso painters, J. D. Roybal did not clutter his paintings with background items such as trees or plants.  The only item, other than the four participants, is the ground plane on which they stand.

The painting is signed in lower right.  It is not dated but probably is from the late 1930s.  It appears to be in the original frame.

Condition: appears to be in original condition

Provenance: from the collection of a gentleman from Red River, NM

Recommended Reading: Southwest Indian Painting: A Changing Art by Clara Lee Tanner.  This book is currently not available from Adobe Gallery