Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number

CAS 0370-1028   CAS 0370-1028; Painting
Category Visual Arts
Object Name Painting
Culture San Ildefonso Pueblo
Global Region North America
Country USA
State/Prov./Dist. New Mexico
County Santa Fe
Other Geographic Data San Ildefonso Pueblo
Maker's Name Awa Tsireh (Alfonso Roybal) (1898-1955)
Date of Manufacture ca. 1930-1935
Collection Name Elkus Collection (Native American)
Materials Ink and watercolor on paper
Description Untitled painting on white paper depicting Koshare clown running and being chased by a turkey; Both figures are shown in left profile; Koshare's body is completely painted white with horizontal black stripes and he wears brown breechclout, garters, wristlets, and neckerchief and head mask that includes 2 projecting horns painted with white and black stripes; Both figures are shown against plain white background with no attempt at perspective; Geometric pattern and yucca plant are painted in each lower corner; Signature "Awa Tsireh" is printed in black ink in lower right corner. This painting was selected by Ruth and Charles deYoung Elkus in 1962 as their annual holiday card, printed by the Grabhorn Press in San Francisco. Awa Tsireh was the cousin of Margaret Lou Gutierrez, whose work is represented in the CAS pottery collection.
Dimensions (cm) Width = 35.0, Length = 22.9