Buffalo Dancers

Awa Tsireh, Buffalo Dancers, ca. 1920-1930, watercolor and pencil on paperboard, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Corbin-Henderson Collection, gift of Alice H. Rossin, 1979.144.37
Copied Awa Tsireh, Buffalo Dancers, ca. 1920-1930, watercolor and pencil on paperboard, sheet: 8 x 10 1⁄8 in. (20.4 x 25.6 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Corbin-Henderson Collection, gift of Alice H. Rossin, 1979.144.37

Artwork Details

Title
Buffalo Dancers
Artist
Date
ca. 1920-1930
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
sheet: 8 x 10 1⁄8 in. (20.4 x 25.6 cm)
Credit Line
Corbin-Henderson Collection, gift of Alice H. Rossin
Mediums
Mediums Description
watercolor and pencil on paperboard
Classifications
Keywords
  • Figure group
  • Indian
  • Dress — ceremonial — Indian dress
  • Ceremony — dance — Buffalo Dance
Object Number
1979.144.37
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1979.144.37

Artwork Description

Pueblo Indian Dances

Ceremonial dances, which are central to the religion, spirituality, and community ties of the Pueblo peoples, are among the most important subjects of Awa Tsireh's paintings. Many ritual events are held to unify families and to ensure agricultural success, and are tied to the seasons of the year. Awa Tsireh depicted primarily the dances of his own San Ildefonso Pueblo in New Mexico, but unlike most of his peers, he also painted rituals held at our Pueblos. Many of the dances are open to the public, but others are reserved only for members of the village. Awa Tsireh was careful to guard the secret rituals from outside eyes.