Tesuque Rain God with Horns and Face Paint [SOLD]

Of the thousands and thousands of Tesuque Pueblo Rain God figurines made in the last 100+ years, it is amazing that there seems to not be two alike.  There are some that are similar, but not just alike.  Even the same potter must have had an unlimited number of styles in her head for her to make the figurines for years and consistently make them in different style.

This rain god has horns, one of which was painted red and the other one painted green.  Perhaps the horns represent the Devil or perhaps they represent the pueblo buffalo dance costume.  This one also has a happy smile that maybe is a smirk as if he knows something you don’t know.  The painted stipes on his cheeks could be those of a warrior.  He has his left hand wrapped around the jar as if holding it securely.  He is a charming rain god with somewhat of an evil thought.  I love it.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: from the collection of an Albuquerque family

Recommended Reading:  When Rain Gods Reigned: From Curios to Art at Tesuque Pueblo by Duane Anderson