Qahátĭka Water Girl
Artist
Edward S. Curtis
(American, 1868 - 1952)
Engraver
John Andrew & Son
(American (founded 1869))
Datecopyright 1907
Mediumphotogravure on paper
Dimensions22 1/4 × 18 1/4 inches (56.5 × 46.4 cm)
Other (Plate): 17 1/2 × 11 1/2 inches (44.5 × 29.2 cm)
Other (Plate): 17 1/2 × 11 1/2 inches (44.5 × 29.2 cm)
Credit LinePurchase of the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation, 2013
Object number2013.2.2.16
ClassificationsPhotographs
Label TextCurtis identified the Qahátĭka as a tribe separated from their Pima kindred. “Qahátĭka handicraft shows considerable skill, particularly in pottery.” He explained how these Indians modeled and polished the pottery. Then they burned it to its rich red color, decorated it, and reburned it. He described how they made paint by boiling chips of mesquite wood to a syrup. They applied paint with a brush made by chewing a strip of yucca leaf. “In the burning the painted designs turn a brilliant black, making a very pleasing contrast with the bright red color of the ware.”
ProvenanceAcquired by subscription directly from the artist by the National Geographic Society, Washington, D.C.[1]; purchased December 6, 2012 through (Christies, New York, New York,[2]) by (Arader Galleries, New York, New York); purchased June 10, 2013 through (Arader Galleries, New York, New York) by the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation; accessioned to the Stark Museum of Art | [1] This set was stored in the National Geographic Society’s archive housed in the Society’s Washington, D.C. headquarters. | [2] "The National Geographic Collection: The Art of Exploration," December 6, 2012, Christie’s, New York, Rockefeller Plaza, sale 2603, lot 65
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