Susan Kliewer - The Dance

Artist's statement:

When I was running the trading post at Marble Canyon, Tsosie Yazzie, who worked in the gas station, invited my friend Mary and me to a dance. 

We bumped and bounced over dirt tracks in Tsosie's old pick-up. When we came over a rise and saw the dancers silhouetted in the firelight, I felt we'd stepped far back in time. There were so many sounds - those of shuffling feet, drums, and the high falsetto chanting - rising and falling in the dark night. We were mesmerized.

At this particular kind of dance, the men ask the lady to dance and if she accepts, he must give her some coins which she keeps in a small purse. As they begin to dance, he places his Pendleton blanket over her shoulders and they move as one to the ancient rhythms.

This was a special time and memory I wanted to save for myself and posterity. I hope you enjoy The Dance

The measurements shown include the base.