Pueblo Five Panel Wood Painted Tableta [SOLD]

Dance Tabletas have traditionally been made from wood—salvaged from old wood boxes, and later made from plywood.  This one was made from older wood slats, possibly from a crate at the trading post. The slats were drilled and tied together.  The tableta is then adhered to the mask of the katsina—in this instance of the Sio Hemis Katsina.

The top of the tableta features four clouds, painted yellow and outlined in black and turquoise.  The center of the tableta is painted with a rainbow over a moon. Water symbols are traditionally used on tabletas.

The paint appears to be of the type from the early 20th century, however, it cannot be determined if the tableta is that old.  It certainly is vintage, but the age cannot be determined. Two reinforcing bars have been mounted on the back of the tableta for support.  The tableta may be hung on a wall or, if desired, a metal stand can be fabricated for table top display.

Condition: this Pueblo Five Panel Wood Painted Tableta is in very good condition

Provenance: from a gentleman in Albuquerque

Recommended Reading: RAIN - Native Expressions From the American Southwest by Ann Marshall