About this artwork
This Man’s Kilt features two painted images of the plumed or horned serpent, a supernatural being associated throughout the southwestern United States with fertile, life-bringing, sacred waters. For the Buffalo Dance a male performer with his upper body painted black would wear this kilt while imitating the movements of the buffalo by using rhythmic and lumbering dance steps. The ceremony remains a popular social dance performed throughout the Rio Grande Pueblos in January; it also serves as a powerful religious ritual that is believed to cleanse the village of misfortunes.
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Status
- Currently Off View
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Department
- Textiles
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Culture
- San Felipe
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Title
- Man's Kilt and Flap, meant to be used in Buffalo Dance Ceremony
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Place
- New Mexico (Object made in)
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Date
- Made 1926–1950
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Medium
- a: Cotton, plain weave; painted and stenciled; edge with split leather and metal tube fringe; plied cotton ties b: Painted leather with metal tube fringe; tied over wood stick with plied cotton ties
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Dimensions
- a: 80.3 × 113.6 cm (31 5/8 × 44 3/4 in.); b: 23.1 × 25.6 cm (9 1/8 × 10 in.)
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Credit Line
- Purchased with funds provided by the Needlework Friends of Pauline Palmer Wood
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Reference Number
- 1984.998a-b
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.
