Original Painting of a Buffalo Hunt by Tse Ye Mu

This original painting of a buffalo hunt by Romando Vigil (1902-1978) Tse Ye Mu - Falling Cloud captures the intense energy of the chase with a rich palette of browns, warm and cool grays, and white, all set against a tan paper background. Two riders navigate the chaos of the herd, one positioned in the background while the central figure, mounted on what appears to be a mustang, is frozen in the moment just after drawing his bow. Whether the arrow has found its mark in the buffalo or missed entirely remains a mystery, leaving the viewer in suspense. This dynamic composition offers a vivid glimpse into the experience of hunting on the open plains, a practice once central to the lives of many Northern New Mexico Pueblo people.

The painting showcases the distinctive style of early Pueblo painters, characterized by delicate linework and water-based media — here, executed in gouache. Subtle washes and fluid applications of paint blend seamlessly to form the sky and clouds, lending depth and movement to the scene. One particularly intriguing detail is the long cord hanging from the central horse's neck. Known as a "drag rope" or "scuffler," this was sometimes adorned with moccasins and used by Native American riders, particularly among the Plains tribes, to disguise their horse tracks. By making hoof prints resemble human footprints, this tactic provided a strategic advantage in both hunting and warfare.

A stepped motif at the bottom of the painting, a common element in San Ildefonso art, adds another layer of cultural symbolism. The brightest hue in the piece, a touch of turquoise, subtly draws the eye, offering a striking contrast within the otherwise earthy composition. The painting is signed in the lower right corner as Tse-Ye-Mu.

On the reverse, a short biography provides insight into the artist's life and career:

"BORN: 1902. Father of Albert Vigil, Brother of Tonita Peña. The artist was painting as early as 1920 at the pueblo. In 1950, he was apparently in California. His style is that of the San Ildefonso school of painting. Some of his work could be found for sale in New Mexico galleries in 1952. EDUCATION: Santa Fe. CAREER: Artist, for a short time at Walt Disney Studios, Hollywood, Calif."

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: This Original Painting of a Buffalo Hunt by Tse Ye Mu is from a client of Adobe Gallery.

Recommended Reading: American Indian Painting and Sculpture by Patricia Janis Broder

TAGS: Native American Painting, San Ildefonso Pueblo, Santa Fe, Carmelita Dunlap, Maria Martinez, Romando Vigil (1902-1978) Tse Ye Mu - Falling Cloud