An Eagle Ceremony at Tesuque Pueblo

Gustave Baumann

This is an artist's proof, done before the image was printed by Pynson Printers for the "Colophon: A Book Collector's Quarterly", published in December of 1932 in an edition of 3,100. This impression was printed by the artist on a larger sheet of ivory laid paper.

Gala Chamberlain notes in her catalogue raisonné, entry 142, page 383: "Printed from two blocks, the image relies for its success on design and contrast rather than color. Impressions are unsigned. Baumann's initials and chop are carved in the lower left of the image. A single dotted line forms the border."

Native American dancers perform the winter Eagle Dance at Tesuque Pueblo. The eagle is revered as the link between heaven and earth. Tesuque is located near Santa Fe, New Mexico. The pueblo was originally rebuilt on its present site in 1694 by the Tesuque Indians. The pueblo property is known for its "Camel Rock" formation.

Harvard Divinity School notes that "At the Jemez and Tesuque pueblos in New Mexico, the Eagle Dance is celebrated with two dancers, one male and one female. Each dancer wears feathered caps with yellow beaks and wings made of eagle feathers. The dancers circle each other as they imitate eagles.

For the Comanche Eagle Dance, one dancer emulates an eagle. This dancer represents the young son of a chieftain who turned into an eagle after he died.

For many American Indians, the eagle is a highly important animal and symbol. It is associated with supernatural powers like thunder and rain. Other attributes for which the eagle is revered include wisdom, strength of vision and heart, and higher consciousness. Some teach that the eagle, because it can fly so high, has the power to move between heaven and earth; thus, the eagle can carry messages and prayers to heaven."