Description

Tsu Sona Snake Dancers –This original painting is very detailed as Kyle has carefully portrayed a snake priest and his attendant ready to participate in the snake dance ceremony. He has given meticulous attention to depicting each fringe of the sash, the intricate design of the anklets and bandoliers, as well as the individual pine needle details of the headdress.

The Hopi Snake Dance is a Native American religious ceremony held annually in late August, during which the performers dance with live snakes in their mouths. The dancers wear fringed sashes to symbolize falling rain, and wear bandoliers of shells to emulate the sound of rain. The dance is thought to have originated as a water ceremony, because snakes were the traditional guardians of springs. Today, it is primarily a rain ceremony and to honor Hopi ancestors. The tribe regards snakes as their “brothers” and rely on them to carry their prayers for rain to the gods and spirits of their ancestors.

Velvet Shirt Katchina –This signed print (1/15)  is very detailed as Kyle has carefully portrayed a beautiful kachina ready to participate in a dance ceremony. He has given meticulous attention to depicting each fringe of the sash, the intricate design of the anklets and scarf, as well as the individual pine needle details of the mask.

It is believed that the Navan Kachina originated at the Village of Moencopi on Third Mesa sometime after 1900. This is a very colorful kachina with a velvet shirt and colorful ribbons. This kachina represents the blooming of plant life and the beauty of life, as illustrated by the flowers and greenery on his head. His songs are prayers for rain to sustain life.

Condition: Excellent – original condition – new

Provenance: Purchased from the artist at the Hopi Educational Endowment Fund Auction