Pablita Velarde Original Painting of Zuni Shalako Ceremony [SOLD]

This painting of the Zuni Shalako ceremony was created by Pablita Velarde of Santa Clara Pueblo. Velarde is a significant figure in the history of Native painting, and this piece is an excellent example of her many strengths. The piece was completed in 1970, using mineral earth pigments made by the artist. Velarde created many dance scenes using these pigments, but this is a standout piece due to the complexity of the composition and the atypical color choices.

Velarde’s Shalako occupies much of the large image. It is a strong, detailed depiction—one of the artist’s best Shalako paintings, she told the original purchaser. In the lower left corner, a Salimopia katsina appears. He is “the epitome of youth, vitality, and beauty,” according to Barton Wright’s Kachinas of the Zuni. Among other duties, Salimopia is a warrior and guardian who accompanies important katsinas such as this Shalako. A Koyemsi appears in the lower right corner, facing the viewer directly. An elderly woman with a basket—praying and sprinkling cornmeal, most likely—completes the procession. Each and every detail received Velarde’s careful attention, and a wider-than-usual color palette enhances the image further. The green tone that appears throughout is a wonderful addition, contributing to the lively, energetic feel of the image. This is an outstanding example of Pablita Velarde’s mineral earth paintings.

The painting is signed Pablita Velarde in lower left. It is framed under conservation glass and two layers of matting in a thin metal frame.

Pablita Velarde (1918-2006) Tse Tsan - Golden Dawn was an innovative and influential artist from Santa Clara Pueblo.  Velarde was one of the first full-time female students in Dorothy Dunn's art class at the Santa Fe Indian School, where she studied alongside Tonita Peña.  These two women are regarded as the first Native American women to support themselves as painters, but it’s not just because of this that they are remembered so fondly.  It’s because of the quality of their works that they have remained so visible in the many years since they have passed. Velarde’s works are included in many prominent public and private collections. Velarde passed away in 2006.

What is a Katsina?

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Pablita Velarde Original Painting of Zuni Shalako Ceremony is from a private Santa Fe collection, purchased from Velarde in 1970

Reference: Kachinas of the Zuni by Barton Wright

Relative Links: Zuni Pueblo, Kachina-Katsina Dolls, Native American Paintings, Santa Clara Pueblo, Tonita Peña, watercolor, Helen Hardin, Navajo Nation