Turquoise Artwork

That bears a striking resemblance to Tom Burnsides.

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Grab a cup of coffee and take a load off, this post is a bit of a long one.

For anyone passionate about Native American culture, art, and history, few figures stand as important as infamous photographer Edward Curtis.

Known by the Navajo as The Shadow Catcher, his tremendous undertaking that began in 1906, The North American Indian, has become an invaluable resource and fountain of enjoyment since it’s completion in 1930.

@Steve had shared the following wonderful collection of some of The Shadow Catcher’s works earlier in this thread.

Mr. Curtis’ photographs have been discussed here but briefly, and have been caught in the background of photos shared by members here, shying from the camera.

I just recently came across colorized versions of photos he’d taken while documenting a recreated Night Chant that were published in 2017. I’ve enjoyed Curtis’ works for years, but seeing these few in color just takes the experience to a whole new level, for me. All of these were taken between 1904 and 1905, and a few contain some awesome early jewelry.

Rather than sharing the link to the incredibly annoying website these were on, with its bombing advertisements and moving windows, I wanted to share these individually.

These two men are dressed as the Black God (top) and House God (bottom), two of the four deities who presided over the Third World and created the first man and woman, according to the Navajo creation myth.

This image shows the Hero Twins, known in English as Monster Slayer (right) and Born-of-Water (center). According to Navajo belief, they were the children of White Shell Woman, one of the first beings, and roamed the earth slaying monsters that threatened humanity and scalping them. They are accompanied here by a deity named only as The Beggar (left)

A Navajo man stands holding his ceremonial mask (top) and then appears dressed in it (bottom)*. He represents a god known as Fringe Mouth, a water-dwelling deity who participates in the Night Chant. Navajo boys are typically required to undergo a coming-of-age ritual before they are allowed to see which members of their band wear the masks.

  • I did note a difference in coloring on the mask in these two particular photos, looks like a simple, honest mistake.

Top is Haschebaad, a representation of several benevolent female deities used specifically for the Night Chant. Bottom is Gaaskidi, deity of harvests, plenty and rain, who is usually depicted with a hump filled with seeds and water that is so heavy he has to lean backwards using a stick to support it.

It’s my wish that at least a few here enjoyed seeing these as much as I did. :slightly_smiling_face:

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The following are from Visions & Visionaries: The Art & Artists of the Santa Fe Railway by Sandra D’Emilio and Suzan Campbell.

Another example of Mr. Couse’s work to compliment Juan, Pueblo Indian, shared by @TAH.

Turquoise Bead Maker, 1925, Eanger Irving Couse (1866-1936)

Hastin-Gaha-Bitzi & Ta-Jolle-Bijuie, 1910, Elbridge Ayer Burbank (1858-1949)

Here is another painting to accompany a piece by the same artist, previously shared by @TAH.

Hopi Women Preparing for Harvest Dance, 1905, Joseph Jacinto “Jo” Mora (1876-1947)

Navajo Indians at Desert Water Hole, 1910, Marjorie Helen Thomas (1885-1983)

Navajo Woman at Ganado, 1956, Bettina Steinke (1913-1999)

One of these final two, Navajo Silversmith, Tom had shared in post #311. I’m only duplicating it as the accompanying paragraph speaks to both paintings.

Navajo Silversmith, & Navajo Sandpainter, both 1956, E. Martin Hennings (1886-1956)

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Wow, those are all just breathtaking.

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Some beautiful works of art, Aaron. Thanks for the well-organized post! :+1:

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Glad you enjoyed, Tom!

For anyone that enjoys art of the Southwest, it’s an awesome publication. :+1:

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Aaron, I came back to take another look at these Curtis photographs. Now, I can’t stop looking at them. The colorization really makes them pop.

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Of the 40,000+ magnificent photos that Mr. Curtis captured, there are two that I find captivating and easy to get lost in, being the full profile images of Navajo men depicting Monster Slayer (Na’ye’ ne’zyani) and his twin brother Born for Water (Tóbájízhchíní), the Hero Twins. In the previous post, they’re shown together with The Beggar.

I don’t simply “see” many of his photos, but those two especially, I feel.

It does, too!

I really enjoy looking at older photographs like these. As easy as it is to be enamored with them in black and white or sepia tones, the colorized versions just bring them to life, I feel. :+1:

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I absolutely enjoyed seeing these. There are three E.S. Curtis prints in our dining room. You all have seen the Canyon de Chelly in several posts. We also have two prints we found in a local vintage shop.

Lone Flag - Atsina

High Hawk

I have loved Edward Curtis prints for as long as I can remember.

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Thank you for sharing! I really like how the narrow, carved element on the frame compliments the feathers in Lone Flag - Atsina. :+1:

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I understand that not everyone is fond of older kachinas, but because they represent the earliest (known) form of the art, I think they’re pretty cool.

These two are adorned with silver and turquoise, both are wearing concho belts and the clown has a silver buttoned bandolier bag! Just too cool in my opinion.

Both are ca. 1890-1910, and are believed to be crafted for outsiders.

Tasaf Yebitchai kachina, based on the Navajo Yei leader, “Talking God”

Hopi Clown kachina

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I was looking through the Twin Rocks Trading Post YouTube videos again, and ran across these carvings by Marvin Jim. They’re beautiful, and the story how he began making them is very interesting. I included a link to that from the site.

https://twinrocks.com/artists/j/jim-marvin.html

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Speaking of carvings, Chipeta Trading shared this one today. I thought it was pretty unique!

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Another Mark Maggiori masterpiece…

Little Sheep (Dibé Yázhi), 2023, 55" x 44", oil on linen

There’s bound to be some silver and turquoise under those weavings. :wink:

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Beautiful! If we sold my wife’s car to buy one of his paintings, would it be too much to ask of her to walk to work? :thinking:

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I’ve considered similar thoughts, but then reality sets in. I’m already mowing lawns in the summer, shoveling snow in the winter, and babysitting, all for lodging and meals, so I should probably hold off on selling my truck. :grin:

I wouldn’t think so, from what you’ve shared, I bet she would happily perform the sacrifice. :wink:

The original of that painting is coming up for sale at the FAR WEST show in Austin this September… :thinking:…surely you guys could have the vehicle sold by then? :laughing:

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Oh that is unbelievably gorgeous. Everything about it - the moon, the big thunderhead (love that - I was just enjoying watching one the other night here) and the white horse that almost glows in front of the shadow.

We could all pool our funds to buy it, and it could rotate from house to house :laughing:… but then I would have to cut back on jewelry purchasing :thinking:

BTW, I think you 2 should have some kind of witty turquoise talk show :laughing:

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All of Mark’s works are incredible, I feel, but I 'm particularly drawn to this one. :+1:

I’m in!

:grin:

I can see it now…

Behind the scenes at the recording studio…

“Be sure to tune in for ‘Talk Turquoise With Tom’, weeknights from 7PM to 9PM, featuring the permanent guest…hold on, cut!! My trousers are slipping, who took my belt?!..” :laughing:

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Hey Zia, I found a photo of Tom and I that could be used in advertisements for the talk show. :laughing:

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Perfect :laughing:

Need 20 characters

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