Large Pueblo Dance Scene with Kiva and Buildings

The Enigmatic Pueblo Dance Scene: An Artistic Conundrum

This vibrant depiction of a pueblo dance scene, the work of an unidentified Pueblo Indian artist, arrived at the Adobe Gallery shrouded in mystery. The creator's identity sparked a debate among art connoisseurs. A scholar with a discerning eye proposed the name of the renowned Cochiti artist, Joe Herrera, citing visible stylistic parallels.  However, the artist's signature, which could be interpreted as either "JH" or "JEI," did not match Herrera's known autograph. Intriguingly, the artwork had previously been attributed to a certain Jose Herrera, yet no records could substantiate this individual's existence. Thus, the creator's identity remains an enigma.

The painting itself is a remarkable tableau, featuring thirteen dancers in the foreground, with a detailed depiction of a pueblo in the backdrop. The dancers' attire and flag, along with the round kiva, align with Joe Herrera's artistic style. Each dancer is depicted with meticulous attention to detail, their characters vividly brought to life. They move rhythmically across the canvas in pairs, adorned in traditional ceremonial clothing and paraphernalia, elements often captured in Herrera's works.

The artwork's color palette is a dynamic fusion of bright greens, fiery reds, and warm oranges. Dense clusters of bold color juxtapose beautifully against large expanses of untouched paper, creating a harmonious balance. The foreground presents a traditional dance scene, while the background pueblo imagery exudes a playful vibe. Despite their contrasting styles, these elements blend seamlessly, enhancing the painting's unique charm.

In conclusion, this artwork is a captivating representation of a ceremonial dance scene, its beauty undiminished by the mystery surrounding its creator.

The painting is signed JH or JEI in lower right. It is framed beautifully using archival materials and a carved black frame.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Large Pueblo Dance Scene with Kiva and Buildings is from a private Santa Fe collection

References:

- Southwest Indian Painting: A Changing Art by Clara Lee Tanner

- American Indian Painting of the Southwest and Plains Areas by Dorothy Dunn

TAGS: Cochiti Pueblo, Tonita Vigil Peña - Quah Ah, San Ildefonso, Native American Paintings, Joe Hilario Herrera