Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number

CAS 0370-1079   CAS 0370-1079; 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 1961
Collection Name Elkus Collection (Native American)
Materials Tempera on paper
Description Untitled painting on white paper (folded to form holiday card) depicting female Koshare clown holding basket of food collected for visitors during Christmas season dances; She is wearing moccasins, woven one shoulder dress, and woven shawl; Small pine tree is shown in lower right corner; Signature "Gilbert Atencio 61" is printed in black paint in lower left corner; Inscription inside reads, "Pueblo female clown collecting food for visitors during the holiday dances held in the plaza. Best wishes for happiness in the holiday season and always, and most certainly to two good people like you. Sincerely, 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 = 13.5, Length = 17.8