Original Painting “Navajo Girls Racing Their Ponies” [SOLD]

Harrison Begay was a master at capturing the beauty and harmony of everyday Navajo life. In this painting of two young women racing their ponies, Begay has included details that are unique to the Navajo way. The two girls are dressed in traditional woman’s fashion, which includes a pleated velvet skirt with a matching top decorated with silver buttons and with a concha belt. On their feet, they have knee high wrapped moccasins. Their hair is held back in the traditional bun or tsee yel. They are wearing turquoise jah clah (ear strings) and silver and turquoise bracelets.

The horse is a vital part of the Navajo way, and as a reflection of that importance, the horses are also fitted with the finest. The saddles sit upon a hand-made blanket, woven specifically for the purpose of making sure the saddle fits snugly. The saddle is decorated with silver as is the bridle.

Begay painted most of his life, having been trained in the 1930s at the Santa Fe Indian School. He continued throughout his life to paint the unique aspects of Navajo life and is considered one of the most influential Native American painters. This particular painting is an especially nice example of his work. It is signed on the bottom right.

Condition:  very good condition.  Has recently had acid-free mat boards and foam core backing installed after removal of old mats and cardboard backing.  The painting was placed back in the original frame.  Any fading was imperceptible.

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

Provenance: from the collection of a gentleman from Chicago.  Formerly from the estate of Baseball Maverick Bill Veeck, purchased when he had a ranch in New Mexico in the 1950s.