Leaping Mountain Sheep and Blue Bird [SOLD]

C4063B-paint.jpg

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Adee Dodge (1911-1992)
  • Category: Paintings
  • Origin: Diné of the Navajo Nation
  • Medium: opaque watercolor
  • Size:
    10-¼” x 8-⅛” image;
    16-½” x 14-⅜” framed
  • Item # C4063B
  • SOLD

Adee Dodge (1911-1992) was the grandson of the first Navajo Tribal Chairman, Chee Dodge.  He studied at the University of New Mexico and received a master's degree from Columbia University in Comparative Linguistics and Anthropology. He started painting while recovering from war wounds received while serving in the South Pacific during World War II.  A self-taught painter, he focused his work on preserving the symbols and stories of the Navajo religion. His work has been featured in Arizona Highways magazine and at the the Smithsonian.

Adee Dodge (1911-1992) hallmark signature.His trademark was the Navajo hair-roll, which is a symbol of the Navajo people. Under this he would sign his name, ADEE.  He would also include birds, the bluebird, which symbolizes the Seagoing people of the East and the flying swallow, symbol of the Swallow people of the West.

In his Introduction to The American Indians of Abeita, His People, Joseph Stacey said "...There have been some great names in the roll of Navajo artists...Adee Dodge, one of the most prolific Navajo artists, is collected for his spirit horses and fastidiously drawn interpretations of Navajo myths and legends."

In this painting, Dodge presents a graceful leap by a Mountain Sheep or Ram.  Scenes of animals seem to be a very iconic image for Native American subject matter, but Dodge adds a significant detail to his imagery.  The bluebird is flying above the ram. Below the ram is a swirling design of blue, green and white executed in a very graceful and beautiful effect.  The painting is signed ADEE and dated 1960.

Dodge passed away on January 4, 1992 in Albuquerque at the age of 81.  


Condition: appears to be in original condition but has not been examined out of the frame. It appears to have been recently framed with archival materials.

Provenance: this painting of a Leaping Mountain Sheep and Blue Bird  is from the estate of a New York client who amassed a large art collection by Native American artists.

Recommended Reading: Lester, Patrick D. The Biographical Directory of Native American Painters, 1995.

Close up view

Adee Dodge (1911-1992)
  • Category: Paintings
  • Origin: Diné of the Navajo Nation
  • Medium: opaque watercolor
  • Size:
    10-¼” x 8-⅛” image;
    16-½” x 14-⅜” framed
  • Item # C4063B
  • SOLD

C4063B-paint.jpgC4063B-large.jpg Click on image to view larger.