Animal Dance
Art print on paper, likely a lithograph or high-quality offset print • Woody Crumbo (Potawatomi, 1912–1989)
Style & Movement
Traditional Native American Art, specifically the Flatstyle or Bacone School style
Medium & Technique
Print after an original gouache or watercolor; characterized by flat color Application and stylized outlines typical of Bacone School techniques
Creation Period
Late 20th century (c. 1970s-1980s reproduction of an earlier mid-century original)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 18 inches (standard print size); Landscape format within a vertical matting arrangement
Subject Description
A ceremonial procession of Indigenous figures performing a ritual dance, featuring elaborate regalia including animal skins, feathers, and buffalo headdresses. The composition emphasizes rhythmic movement through repetition of forms against a gradated atmospheric background.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; colors appear vibrant, though there is potential for minor light-induced fading and paper toning commensurate with age
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$40 - $100 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a museum gift shop, gallery, or specialized Native American art retailer; typical of widely distributed mid-to-late 20th-century authorized editions
Art Historical Significance
Woody Crumbo was a seminal figure in 20th-century Native American art, known for bridging traditional motifs with modern aesthetics. This piece reflects his dedication to documenting and preserving Indigenous ceremonies and spirit through a stylized, accessible visual language.
Notable Features
Features the artist's name 'Woody Crumbo' and the title 'Animal Dance' printed in the margins; characterized by the artist's signature use of ethereal, glowing backgrounds contrasted with sharp, detailed figure work
Condition Issues
Visible rippling of the paper support within the frame; potential acid burn from non-archival matting; possible slight fading of blue/green pigments in the background
Conservation Recommendations
Remount using acid-free, archival-quality matting and backing; replace standard glass with UV-filtering acrylic to prevent further pigment degradation; display away from direct sunlight