Friday, March 23, 2018

Cat Tail Bird



The last time I was at the Heard Museum, I saw an exhibit of artwork by an artist named Ifonso Roybal who went by the name Awa Tsireh which means "Cat Tail Bird" in the Tewa language.

Born in 1898, Roybal became one of the finest Native American painters of the first half of the 20th Century.

He did a lot illustrations for books as well as some metal works in addition to his paintings.

The painting above is called The Bull and the Koshares from 1938.  A Koshare is a Pueblo Clown.









I loved this copper tray with the Native American design etched into it.  (Sorry for the reflection.  It was behind glass.)


This painting of a Matachine Dancer was a favorite of mine at the show.  It was so intricately painted and so beautifully framed.































The card describing the painting said to be sure to notice the little red bird next to his signature.  It became a sort of trademark that was added to many of his paintings.
at

10 comments:

  1. biebkriebelsMarch 23, 2018 at 3:14 AM

    What a very delicate paintings he makes. Love that special frame he made to it, and his trademark bird.

    ReplyDelete
  2. ChristineMarch 23, 2018 at 4:04 AM

    What a unique style! Beautiful artwork relevant to his culture. Great to have that glimpse into it!

    ReplyDelete
  3. KateMarch 23, 2018 at 5:59 AM

    Always enjoy art work with Koshare figures. The tiny bird signature is unique and a nice touch.

    ReplyDelete
  4. RedPatMarch 23, 2018 at 6:19 AM

    I really like his style, Sharon! Thanks for showing these pieces.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Judy RyerMarch 23, 2018 at 7:58 AM

    Wonderful! I'm glad you shared these.

    ReplyDelete
  6. William KendallMarch 23, 2018 at 8:02 AM

    Beautiful works!

    ReplyDelete
  7. LowellMarch 23, 2018 at 12:01 PM

    How great is that? And I'm glad you explained the name as I didn't see either a cat tail or a bird anywhere!

    And yes, it is odd that you've never done any fishing, especially growing up in Illinois and I'd guess your dad did some fishing in his lifetime.

    I've done a lot of fishing but not recently...I guess you knew that when you said I was a very fishy person! ;))

    ReplyDelete
  8. BillMarch 23, 2018 at 1:10 PM

    Beautiful work, I like his bird trademark, it is quite unique.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Steve ReedMarch 24, 2018 at 2:27 AM

    Beautiful work! Does the red bird have any significance, I wonder?

    ReplyDelete
  10. ThérèseMarch 25, 2018 at 7:30 AM

    Unusual artwork by a Native American. I like both works presented here and of course the frame which an artwork by itself.

    ReplyDelete