Tesuque Pueblo Head View of Deer Dancer [SOLD]

Patrick Swazo was born at Tesuque Pueblo in 1929 and given the name José Patricio Swazo.  He was adopted by Dr. Norman A. E. Hinds, honorary member of Tesuque Pueblo and Professor of Geology at the University of California for 45 years.   Not long after his adoption, Swazo moved to California where he resided until his death.  He usually spent his summers at the pueblo.  He served in the United States Marine Corps and served in Korea.  His education included attendance at High School in Berkeley, California; Hill and Canyon School of Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico; California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland; Mexico City College, Mexico City; and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Swazo became a full-time painter after 1968 but most of his paintings are not dated.  He died in 1974 so it can be assumed that most of his art was produced in the 6 years between 1968 and 1974.  He also produced lithographs as well as original paintings.

Pueblo scenes were popular subjects for Swazo during his visits to the pueblo in summer months but he also produced water scenes during his stays in California. 

This painting is a portrait of a Tesuque Pueblo Deer Dancer, a dancer who appears during animal dances in the fall hunting season.  Swazo effectively used a loose application of detail to illustrate the ancient aspect of the dance.  The face is strong, yet not detailed.  Feathers and neck ruff are colorful but not definitive.  The background resembles sun shining on clouds at the end of the day. 

Condition: this Tesuque Pueblo Head View of Deer Dancer appears to be in original condition.  It has just been framed using archival materials.

Recommended Reading: Monthan and Monthan. Art and Indian Individualists, Northland Press, 1975

Provenance: from the estate of John and Dixie Yaple, owners of a gallery in the Hotel La Fonda de Taos from 1945-1949, and then director and curator, respectively, of The Millicent Rogers Museum from 1950 to 1977.