Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number

CAS 0370-0961   CAS 0370-0961; 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 Gilbert Atencio (Wah Peen) (1930-1995)
Date of Manufacture 1956
Collection Name Elkus Collection (Native American)
Materials Opaque tempera on paper
Description Painting on white paper folded in half and designed as Christmas card; Painting on front is entitled "Matachina Dancer", depicting single dance figure from the pueblo version of the Matachine society dance; Figure is dressed in black fringed skirt, moccasins and leggings, and cape and wears green face covering and white headdress with long flowing ribbons; 3 wooden swords are carried in right hand and cloth in left hand; Signature "Gilbert Atencio '56" is printed in black paint in lower right corner; Handwritten greeting inside reads, "A Warm and Friendly Wish of Cheer for Christmas and the Coming Year -- Gilbert Atencio." Gilbert Atencio was the son of Isabel Montoya Atencio, the brother of Helen Gutierrez, and the nephew of sisters Desideria Montoya Sanchez and Maria Martinez, all of whose work is also represented in the CAS collection.
Dimensions (cm) Width = 20.9, Length = 28.8