Untitled Painting of a Warrior on Horseback by Awa Tsireh

This untitled painting of a warrior on horseback by Awa Tsireh (also known as Alfonso Roybal) is a striking example of early Pueblo painting, rendered in a mixed media combination of watercolor, ink, and pencil. Believed to date from the 1920s or 1930s, the work demonstrates both technical command and subtle experimentation. The warrior, adorned in full regalia, charges forward on horseback through a composition alive with movement and atmosphere. Deep black tones, achieved by layering ink over watercolor, give the piece visual weight and contrast, while a scattering of small dash marks evokes the impression of arrows slicing through the air — suggesting the warrior is engaged in battle or evading an ambush.

Unlike many of Awa Tsireh's contemporaries who adhered strictly to the flat style characteristic of the first generation of Pueblo painters, this piece ventures into illusionistic space with a lightly painted background that adds subtle depth. This nuance hints at possible influence from Western artists working in the region at the time, suggesting a quiet willingness on Tsireh's part to explore beyond the stylistic boundaries of his peers.

One particularly curious detail is the inverted left hind hoof of the horse. Given Awa Tsireh's accomplished draftsmanship and thorough understanding of horse anatomy, this anomaly may be intentional — an expressive flourish rather than a mistake, adding a layer of mystery and individuality to the work.

Awa Tsireh (1898-1955), from San Ildefonso Pueblo, was among the earliest Native American artists to transition traditional forms into modern painting. A foundational figure in the first generation of Pueblo painters, he played a crucial role in establishing a uniquely Indigenous presence in American art. His work is celebrated for its balance of traditional cultural themes and elegant composition, and this painting is no exception. Beautifully framed with archival materials, it stands as both a visual narrative and a historical touchstone.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: This Untitled Painting of a Warrior on Horseback by Awa Tsireh is from a collector in Colorado Springs, CO

Recommended Reading: Southwest Indian Painting: a Changing Art, Clara Lee Tanner

TAGS: Native American Fine Art, San Ildefonso Pueblo, Native American Paintings, Diné - Navajo Nation, Alfonso Roybal, Awa Tsireh, San Ildefonso Pueblo Painter