Important Early Tepehuano Art
Tepehuano Item 325
$9000.
31.5 x 48 inches
Circa 1997-98
Note: An exceptional and unique painting of importance! An early style on longer reproducible.
Narrative
Briefly, this painting makes reference to some of the principal cultural symbols, beliefs and customs of the Tepehuano people. The circle in the center represents the ceremonial grounds where the rite of the Mitote is acted out. A participant holding a deer head, representing the sacred deer is tracked by tribal hunters. These ancestral sacrifices were needed to appease the deities. On the left and right are the Sun And Moon deity, from where the Tepehuano shaman or curandero obtains his powers. The upper left is a sacred eagle. It is from this bird that the shaman obtains the feathers needed for performing his sacred duties. This may include healing the infirm, blessings of all kinds and communicating with the gods. Below the eagle is the principal music instrument of the Tepehuano which accompanies the Mitote. There are various vessels being prepared over open fires where special foods are made for this occasion. These foods will first be offered to the attendant gods and spirits and later consumed by the community. At the bottom left are seen two plants. On the left is maize, the principal food of subsistence and to the right is the macuchi plant. Macuchi is a non-narcotic plant which the Tepehuano curandero smokes as part of his ritual practice. At the center-left is the altar which was created for the ceremonial. Here the special foods will be offered to the gods. Below is a stylized arrow quiver, filled with ceremonial arrows. Above the Moon is the hummingbird, principal messenger between the shaman and the gods. Throughout the painting there are spirits and depictions of spiritual and magical energy.
www.LatinAmericanFolkArt.com