Original Painting “Dancing Kachinas and Flute Players” [SOLD]

The 1970s was a time of innovation and change for Native American art. Artists were breaking away from traditional forms and experimenting with new means of artistic expression. One of the first artists to pursue these modern techniques was Dan Namingha, a Hopi-Tewa Indian and member of the famous Nampeyo family.  While at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), Namingha was influenced by teacher Otellie Loloma, the wife of famous Hopi jeweler Charles Loloma. She encouraged her students to find their own creative vision of their culture.

This piece was painted by Namingha in the early 1970s. It is a lively interpretation of the Katsina spirits of Namingha’s Hopi culture. Two stylized dancers are encircled by a group of Kokopelli, or the iconic humpback flute player. One dancer has a ruff around his neck and a dual-colored case mask with a feathered top. The other dancer has a tri-colored, full-feathered mask. Hovering between the two is a dark-faced mask. Circular forms give a feeling of movement, as if the spirits were dancing. While the piece is a truly modern expression, Namingha has also retained traditional aspects of his Hopi culture.

Condition: original condition

Recommended Reading: The Art of Dan Namingha by Thomas Hoving

Provenance: The painting was purchased from Niman Fine Arts by the current owners, Marvin and Betty Rubin