El Comanche David, Talpa, NM

Miguel A. Gandert, El Comanche David, Talpa, NM, 1996, gelatin silver print, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Smithsonian Latino Initiatives Pool, administered by the Smithsonian Latino Center, 2016.20.8, © 1996, Miguel Gandert
Copied Miguel A. Gandert, El Comanche David, Talpa, NM, 1996, gelatin silver print, image: 12 × 18 in. (30.5 × 45.7 cm) sheet: 16 × 20 in. (40.6 × 50.8 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Smithsonian Latino Initiatives Pool, administered by the Smithsonian Latino Center, 2016.20.8, © 1996, Miguel Gandert

Artwork Details

Title
El Comanche David, Talpa, NM
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
Keywords
  • Figure group — male
  • Landscape — season — winter
  • Dress — ceremonial
  • Ceremony — dance
  • Landscape — weather — snow
  • Landscape — New Mexico — Talpa
  • Latinx
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