Original Painting titled “Headed for the Main Camp” by Myron Denetclaw [SOLD]

This beautiful original painting was completed recently by Myron Denetclaw, a talented young Diné artist who prefers to work in the traditional style.  At this point, it might be more accurate to say that he works in his own version of the traditional style, as his works continue evolving and exhibiting their own character while still fitting within the guidelines of the Diné style.  With this excellent painting, Denetclaw depicts three men on horseback in incredible detail.  His color choices are beautiful, and his linework precise and rhythmic.  The painting’s short-but-wide format works wonderfully for a procession of men on horseback.

Denetclaw graciously provided a detailed description of the event he depicted in this image: “The painting represents the rites of the ndaa’—’enemy way ceremony’. The ceremony is conducted during the summer season, healing those who are ill from combat/warfare experience, mental illness, etc. The painting shows the sequence of the third day, when the ceremonial staff is taken to the main camp of the patient. Here, the staff is later used in the all-night singing. By the following morning, the ceremonial staff is then taken apart to be placed back to the earth. The journey of the ceremonial staff from camp to camp represented in the enemy way ceremony is always traveled by horseback, representing a ‘war raiding party’ with the head horseman leading the caravan. In this painting, it shows the caravan slowing down towards the entrance of the ceremonial hogan. Above the horsemen are blue birds softly fluttering above.”

The painting is signed Denetclaw in the lower right.  It is framed beautifully, under an off-white mat with a gray interior band in a simple black frame.

Myron Denetclaw (1999- ) is a Diné painter. He was born on September 5, 1999, in Shiprock, New Mexico.  He resides in Shiprock with his parents, Milford and Mamie Denetclaw, and his brother Matthew. His maternal clan is Táchiiníí and his paternal clan is Hooghanłání.  Denetclaw paints in the style of traditional Diné painters Harrison Begay and Beatien Yazz.   He also cites the naturalism of Bob Ross as an influence. Denetclaw has received awards and accolades for his paintings, including Best of Show awards from a variety of respectable institutions.  Denetclaw is currently studying studio arts at Diné College in Shiprock.

Condition: original condition

Provenance: this Original Painting titled "Headed for the Main Camp" by Myron Denetclaw is from the artist

Recommended Reading: Painting the Native World—Life, Land, and Animals by Valerie Verzuh

Relative Links: Native American Painting, Myron Denetclaw, Navajo Nation, Dorothy Dunn, Harrison Begay, Beatien Yazz