Original Painting of Apache Mountain Spirit Dancer by Ignatius Palmer [SOLD]

This original painting of an Apache Mountain Spirit Dancer by Ignatius Palmer captures the dynamic energy and ceremonial power of the subject with remarkable clarity and warmth. Palmer, a Mescalero Apache born around 1921, began painting as early as 1939 and exhibited actively between the late 1950s and early 1960s. A student of The Studio at the Santa Fe Indian School, he was recognized for his distinctive use of line and angular figures, often described as appearing in motion and full of life.

In this work, Palmer presents a masked Mountain Spirit dancer mid-performance, one foot lifted in motion as he carries a wand in each hand. The dancer wears a black hood marked with small, deliberate white brushstrokes to define the eyes and mouth. An intricate wooden headpiece, sometimes called horns, rises from the hood, detailed with narrow bands of yellow and green. His body is painted black with white geometric designs, and he wears a yellow buckskin skirt decorated with fringe and jingles.

Characteristic of The Studio style, the background is left blank, drawing complete attention to the figure and enhancing the sense of movement and spiritual presence. The painting is signed and dated by Palmer in the lower right corner, standing as a strong example of his refined and culturally rooted approach to Native American painting.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: This Original Painting of Apache Mountain Spirit Dancer by Ignatius Palmer is from an experienced collector in Texas.

Recommended Reading: Southwest Indian Painting, A Changing Art by Clara Lee Tanner

TAGS: Apache, Native American Paintings, Ignatius Palmer