Quah Ah Pueblo Dance Scene with Seven Figures [SOLD]

This original painting was created by Tonita Peña, or "Quah Ah," of San Ildefonso Pueblo. In her book American Indian Painting of the Southwest and Plains Areas, scholar and educator Dorothy Dunn wrote, "Quah Ah's is an art of radiance and tranquility. It is possessed of delicacy and grace, and much music. It is unequaled at conveying the dignity, the serenity, the great earnestness and wholehearted sincerity of the Pueblo ceremonial and the Pueblo people. Quah Ah's work is not ever spectacular or striking, but it is completely unpretentious and authentic." [Dunn 1968:210]

This particular piece fits Dunn's description perfectly, capturing the beauty and serenity of a Pueblo dance in watercolor on paper. Seven figures appear, mostly in pairs, crossing the image from left to right in line. A flagbearer leads, a pair of men, and a pair of women follow, and a singer and drummer round out the group.

Those who have spent time with a number of Peña's works will notice that this is a standout piece. Extra attention appears to have been devoted to the dancers' clothing and paraphernalia, as these items include details that are usually overlooked. The composition flows as smoothly and naturally as the dance itself, and the color palette feels appropriately spirited. By any measure, this is a wonderful example of Tonita Peña's work.

The painting is signed Quah Ah Tonita Pena in lower right. It is framed using archival materials and UV-protective conservation glass in a simple wood frame.

Tonita Peña (1893-1949) Quah Ah was born in 1893 at the small New Mexico pueblo of San Ildefonso. The pueblo is located on the Rio Grande, just north of Santa Fe. When Tonita Peña was just twelve years old, her mother passed away. Her father, unable to raise her while tending to his responsibilities at the pueblo, took her to live with her aunt and uncle at Cochiti Pueblo. This was where she would spend the remainder of her life. Tonita Peña was the only woman in the group of talented early pueblo artists referred to as The San Ildefonso Self-Taught Group, which included such noted artists as Julian Martinez, Alfonso Roybal, Abel Sanchez, Crescencio Martinez, and Encarnación Peña. These artists were the earliest known pueblo painters. Today, their works are highly collectible because of both historical significance and quality.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Quah Ah Pueblo Dance Scene with Seven Figures is from a private New Mexico collection

Reference: Dunn, Dorothy. American Indian Painting of the Southwest and Plains Areas

Recommended Reading: Tonita Peña by Samuel Lewis Gray. 1990. Avanyu Publishing (Alexander E. Anthony, Jr.), Santa Fe, New Mexico.