San Ildefonso Koosa Clowns Cooking Corn [SOLD]

It must be harvest time.  One Koosa Clown is shucking ears of corn, a second one is putting the corn in a boiling pot and the third one is beating a drum.  This is not just a routine of cooking corn but is a ceremonial function of which I do not know the explanation.  The three men would not be in Koosa mode if they were simply cooking corn.

As is always the case, José Disiderio (J.D.) Roybal [1922-1978] Oquwa - Rain God did an exceptional job in presenting details of the costuming of the Koosa Clowns, the stitches on the basket and the fire and firewood.  He was an exceptional artist who always paid attention to minor details. Roybal was particularly fond of painting Koosa (Tewa Clowns).

From San Ildefonso Pueblo, Roybal had been encouraged to paint in 1930 by his day school teacher but he did not become productive as a painter until the 1950s, and was most productive in the 1960s decade. He painted primarily in the traditional pueblo style while adding touches that are uniquely his own. Roybal used water-based paints. He developed fine color, excellent detail, small and fine lines, and gesturing figures in his work.

Condition: beautifully framed and in original condition

Recommended Reading: Southwest Indian Painting: A Changing Art by Clara Lee Tanner.  This book is currently not available from Adobe Gallery

Provenance: from a family in Santa Fe