Antelope Kachina (Tsotso)
Original painting on paper or board, likely part of a triptych or related series based on adjacent framing. • Robert L. Parker (American Western/Native American Subject Artist)
Style & Movement
Western Art / Indigenous Realism. The work aligns with mid-to-late 20th-century movements focusing on the romanticized and accurate documentation of Hopi and Puebloan traditions.
Medium & Technique
Gouache or acrylic with fine brushwork. The technique involves a mix of illustrative precision for the ethnographic details and expressive, textured applications for the background adobe and ground.
Creation Period
1975 (dated alongside signature)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 6 inches (visible area); Vertical Portrait format.
Subject Description
A depiction of a Hopi Antelope Kachina (Tsotso) dancer. The figure is shown in ceremonial regalia, including the characteristic turquoise mask with antlers, feathers, a squash blossom necklace, a concho belt, and a traditional kilt. He leans on two staffs, suggesting he is in a dance movement or representing an elder spirit. The background depicts an adobe structure with a kachina doll figure visible near the doorway.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The colors remain vibrant with no immediate signs of flaking or moisture damage, though visual assessment is slightly obscured by glass reflections.
Estimated Market Value
$600 - $1,200
Auction Estimate
$400 - $800
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a gallery specializing in Southwestern or Western Art in the mid-1970s. The artist was active in the Oklahoma/Texas/New Mexico circuit.
Art Historical Significance
Parker is recognized for his detailed portrayals of Native American ceremonial life. This piece is significant for its ethnographic accuracy regarding the Hopi Kachina cult, a popular subject for 20th-century Western artists seeking to preserve indigenous culture through visual documentation.
Notable Features
Clearly signed 'Robert L. Parker' with the date '75' at the bottom center-left. The inclusion of the smaller kachina doll in the background adds a layer of 'art within art' and emphasizes the cultural context of the central figure.
Condition Issues
Possible minor fading due to UV exposure if not kept under archival glass; slight mat burn may be present beneath the current framing.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the work is mounted using acid-free materials and protected by UV-filtering museum glass. Keep away from direct sunlight and areas of high humidity.
Collector Notes
Robert l Parker