Original Painting of a Diné Yei-bi-chai Dancer [SOLD]

A Yei-bi-chai is a Navajo masked dancer representing a supernatural Yei.  When representing a Yei, the dancer assumes the power of the supernatural.  Yei-bi-chai dancers are part of the multi-day healing or curing ceremonies.  There are a number of dancers participating and some have masks that are different from others.  The mask defines the Yei being represented.

The dancer wears a kilt secured generally with an elaborate concha belt.  A fox tail drapes from the waist down the back side of the dancer.  High-top moccasins with woven tied sashes, a bandoleer across the chess with a medicine bag over the hip, evergreen neck ruff and various jewelry items complete the outfit.  The colors are vividly rich in tone and expertly applied.  Bruce Watchman obviously is a very talented artist.

There is very little published information on Bruce Watchman.  He has exhibited at the Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial in Gallup, NM where he won 1^st Place Awards in 1986 and 1987.  According to a statement on the website of Wright’s Indian Art Gallery in Albuquerque, Watchman has not been in good health and has not produced much in recent years.  We have not been able to confirm this however.

Condition: original condition

Provenance:  from a Santa Fe resident