Navajo (Dine) Painting of Young Boy and a Squirrel [SOLD]

Toddy was basically a self-taught artist. As a boy he was shy, as are many Navajo. He spoke very little and seemed to learn by observation. The Lippincotts, traders at Wide Ruins Trading Post, encouraged him to paint by giving him a space in the trading post that was his own, providing him with paper and paints, and leaving him alone to do his work. It was in that manner that he mastered painting techniques—trial and error, as he would not accept critiques or instructions from anyone.

Yazz illustrates the cross culture that existed on the Navajo Reservation when he was growing up, partly because of the existence of the trading post and its exposure of non-native items to the Navajo. Here, we see the young Navajo boy dressed in Levis, a western shirt and a baseball cap, similar to non-Navajo boys. Yet he has moccasins, turquoise earrings, a chonga and a scarf, which are more what a Navajo would wear.

Condition: The painting is in original excellent condition. It has never been framed and is currently shrink-wrapped for protection. It is signed in lower right.

Provenance: This painting is among a collection from the Balcomb family, formerly owners of an art gallery which they closed in 1976.