Lot 92A
Native American, Southwest, New Mexico, Pueblo Indians, Tesuque peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. A very unique hand built and modeled piece of Tesuque terracotta sculpture depicting a trio of rain god figures, kneeling or sitting, arm in arm, the outermost deities holding attributes, all with enlarged smiling visages comprised of slit eyes and mouths, protruding noses, and full cheeks, topped with identical caplike coiffures with incised fringe bangs, with a cradle flanked by a pair of pointy eared animals before them. Size: 5.875" W x 5.625" H (14.9 cm x 14.3 cm)
Native American rain gods have traditionally been created at the Tesuque and Cochiti Pueblos, and the earliest were discovered at Tesuque Pueblo in 1879. There is some debate among scholars regarding the origin of Tesuque Rain God figurines. One scholar argues that they were a revival of an older figurine pattern. Another believes that certain features such as the horns, ears, and exaggerated sexual characteristics link them to Kokopelli. Yet another scholar ties the rain god to Pre-Columbian funerary figures influenced by Mesoamerican wares however interpreted from a Puebloan perspective. Today Rain God figurines continue to be produced at Tesuque Pueblo by such important artists as Teresa Tapia, constituting the longest known continuous figurative art tradition of the Southwest. For further reading about Tesuque rain god figures see Duane Anderson's "When Rain Gods Reigned."
Provenance: Ex-private K. Tiernan collection, CO.
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#120836
- Condition: Head of one figure reattached and possible repairs to base. Normal surface wear as shown.
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