Bronze Sculpture “Crown Dancer” by Tom Knapp [SOLD]

Knapp casts his own bronzes in the backyard of his studio, as part of a neighborhood "Pour In" that has been described in New Mexico Magazine. His series of contemporary American Indian ceremonial dancers was featured in Art West, which quotes Knapp as claiming that "vitality, movement, is the most important thing in sculpture, not the detail." His work is in five public collections and he is listed in Who's Who in American Art.

This bronze sculpture represents the Apache Gaan Dancer, popularly called the Crown Dancer because of the large head piece worn by the dancers. The Apache Crown Dancers are more appropriately named the Gaan and they can appear at a girl's puberty ceremony and at curing ceremonies. The style of the headpieces of the Gaan is an indication of the ceremony in which they are appearing. The Gaan personify the four Mountain Spirits, supporters of the four corners of the earth, providing for world balance. The dances represent the powers of the Gaan, protectors of the Apache.

The bronze is stamped Buckhorn Bronze, 21/40, 1982, Tom Knapp. It is in original excellent condition.

Provenance: ex. coll. Frances Sonnenberg, Santa Fe resident