Artwork Details
- Title
- El Comanche David, Talpa, NM
- Artist
- Date
- 1996
- Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- image: 12 × 18 in. (30.5 × 45.7 cm) sheet: 16 × 20 in. (40.6 × 50.8 cm)
- Copyright
- © 1996, Miguel Gandert
- Credit Line
- Museum purchase through the Smithsonian Latino Initiatives Pool, administered by the Smithsonian Latino Center
- Mediums Description
- gelatin silver print
- Classifications
- Subjects
- Figure group — male
- Latinx
- Landscape — season — winter
- Dress — ceremonial
- Ceremony — dance
- Landscape — weather — snow
- Landscape — New Mexico — Talpa
- Object Number
- 2016.20.8
Artwork Description
Miguel Gandert's photographs of genízaros add levels of complexity to our understanding of Native heritage in New Mexico. Genízaros are descendants of de-tribalized Indians from various tribes--the Utes, Apaches, Comanches, Kiowas, Navajos, and Pawnees--whose ancestors were taken captive during the Spanish colonial period. Many were forced into indentured servitude, where they adapted to Spanish culture while passing elements of their Native traditions and beliefs to their descendants. Gandert captures their present-day ceremonies, like Los Cautivos (or The Captives), which dramatize aspects of their history. Gandert's photographs are a testament to genízaro resilience in the face of adversity.
Many Wests: Artists Shape an American Idea, 2023