Original Painting by Tuvahoema of a Single Katsina Dancer

In the 1930s, Pueblo Indian painters began to simplify the backgrounds of their Katsina figure paintings, drawing attention to the intricate details of the figures themselves. The focus shifted to the woven patterns of the fabrics, the fine details of the masks, the bold colors of the body paint, and the feathers, animal hides, and jewelry worn by the dancers.

This painting, titled Wide Ear Katchina by Kyrate Tuvahoema, reflects this 1930s style. The artist meticulously captured the mask, body paint, and kilt of the Katsina dancer, including the evergreen ruff around the figure's neck. Signed by K. Tuvahoema, Hopi in the lower right corner, it is a rare and finely detailed work from a promising young artist.

Tuvahoema attended Indian schools in Hopi, New Mexico, and Arizona. His artistic output was limited, as he contracted tuberculosis shortly after leaving school. He spent much of his remaining life in sanatoriums in Arizona, passing away in 1942 at just 28 years old. Most of his paintings, created in the late 1930s, are now housed in museum collections, including the Museum of Northern Arizona, the Museum of the American Indian, the Gilcrease Museum, and the Eiteljorg Museum.

What is a Kachina?

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Original Painting by Tuvahoema of a Single Katsina Dancer is from an experienced collector in Texas

Recommended Reading:

- Southwest Indian Painting: A Changing Art, by Clara Lee Tanner

- Kachinas: A Hopi Artist's Documentary by Barton Wright

TAGS: Hopi Pueblo, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Katsinas, Native American Paintings, Kyrate Tuvahoema