J. D. Roybal was a nephew of Alfonso Roybal (Awa Tsireh) and he lived at San Ildefonso Pueblo.  He painted traditional pueblo dance scenes but added his own touch when doing so.  Often he added humor in his paintings.  In this painting, however, he followed tradition and presented the Animal Dance in all its solemnity.

There is a pair of Antelope Dancers in the far left, both with its right foot raised in movement.  In front of them is a pair of Deer Dancers, both kneeling in front of two females who appear to be offering a blessing over them?  Having already passed the females is a pair of Buffalo Dancers who stand in front of a group of chanters and drummers.

In the sky above the dancers, Roybal painted an Antelope, a Buffalo and a Deer, illustrating the intent of the dance as a plea for good hunting for the upcoming season.  It is this special touch that makes Roybal's paintings unique and desirable. 

Condition:  The painting is in remarkable condition.  It has one very small brown spot resting on the blue cloud line at the far left of the painting.  It has just been reframed using all new acid-free materials and a new dark brown wood frame. 

Provenance: from the collection of Katherine H. Rust

Recommended Reading:  Southwest Indian Painting a changing art by Clara Lee Tanner