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Dry painting in front of the Altar of Shi wannakwe
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Dry painting in front of the Altar of Shi wannakwe
Dry painting in front of the Altar of Shi wannakwe, Zuni nation. Chromolithograph by August Hoen from John Wesley Powells 23rd Annual Report of the Bureau of American Ethnology, Washington, 1904
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Media ID 23199530
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
23rd Altar Annual Bureau Ceremony Ethnography Ethnology Hoen Nation Powell Report Ritual Wesley Zuni
EDITORS COMMENTS
This chromolithograph depicts a Dry Painting ceremony taking place before the Altar of Shi Wannakwe in the Zuni Nation. The image, created by August Hoen for the 23rd Annual Report of the Bureau of American Ethnology in 1904, offers a glimpse into the rich cultural traditions of the Zuni people. Dry painting, also known as "sand painting," is a sacred art form practiced by the Zuni and other Southwestern Native American tribes. The intricate designs are created using natural pigments and sand, which are carefully applied to a flat surface, often the ground or a canvas. These paintings are an essential part of Zuni rituals and ceremonies, and are believed to bring spiritual power and healing. The Altar of Shi Wannakwe, or the Great White God, is a central figure in Zuni religion and mythology. Shi Wannakwe is believed to be the creator of the world and the source of all life. The altar, which is adorned with offerings and symbols of the four directions, is a place of reverence and prayer for the Zuni people. In this image, we see a group of Zuni people gathered around the altar, with the Dry Painter in the foreground, intently focusing on his work. The vibrant colors and intricate details of the painting are brought to life against the muted tones of the altar and the desert landscape beyond. This powerful and evocative image offers a window into the deep spiritual practices and beliefs of the Zuni people, and serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage that continues to thrive in the Southwestern United States.
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