DYNAMIC RUNNING FEMALE

COLORS used are derived from raw sienna, azul lago mixed with translucent moss glaze and dirt from Chimayo , New Mexico . The dirt was acquired from El Posito, the “sacred sand pit” in the adobe chapel of Santuario de Chimayo. The ground there is believed to be blessed with miraculous healing powers. The crucifix of Our Lord of Esquipulas came from this very venerated spot. On Good Friday in the year 1810, Don Bernardo Abeyta found the crucifix buried at this exact spot. He tried to remove it three times to the local church and each time the crucifix was found back in its original location. A shrine, El Santuario was built around this sacred pit and the original crucifix now resides on the altar at the Santuario de Chimayo.

BACKGROUND is eggshell.

TEXTURING is smooth with gypsum applied in a “wave” motion. Edges of piece are uniquely accomplished by notching.

SIZE is 12”H x 12”W

CULTURAL INSPIRATION: It is believed that this light-footed Dynamic style running female belongs to the Pleistocene epoch-- ice age Australia and is one of the earliest known paintings in the world. This uncommon painting of a female holding one spear and carrying three others in her left hand is unusual because most Dynamic figures are males and only a few women are portrayed with spears. Women are most often shown with digging sticks and dilly bags and they do not wear headdresses. The typical Dynamic figures are of males in profile, their muscular legs outstretched. They can be seen carrying spears and boomerangs and often wearing headdress. In central and northern Australia the chignon-style headdress was worn by initiated men and used as a keeping place for secret and sacred items and implements. There are also enormous and elaborately decorated headdresses used in part for special ceremonies. Some of the first depictions of fighting with weapons appear in the Dynamic Figures. Aggression of these ancient warriors was limited in early Dynamic depictions. This rock art can be found in Kakadu National Park , Northern Territory .