Macaw

Miguel Martinez, artist

born 1951

C. Szwedzicki, publisher

active 1929–1952

Macaw, 1932

Portfolio/Series title: Pueblo Indian Painting Portfolio

Where object was made: United States

Material/technique: pochoir

Dimensions:
Image Dimensions Height/Width (Height x Width): 154 x 263 mm
Image Dimensions Height/Width (Height x Width): 6 1/16 x 10 3/8 in
Sheet/Paper Dimensions (Height x Width): 373 x 487 mm
Sheet/Paper Dimensions (Height x Width): 14 11/16 x 19 3/16 in

Credit line: Transfer from Library

Accession number: 1987.0241

Not on display

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Label texts

Depictions of Awanyu in rock art throughout the southwest suggest ancient origins. Also known as the plumed serpent, this Tewa water deity’s tongue represents lightening and it is thought by some to be related to the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl (Nahuatl for Feathered Serpent). The deity figure also shares striking similarities to the horned serpent Uktena of the Southeastern Ceremonial complex of North America. The legends of the indigenous peoples of the Southeastern United States (Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw and Creek) tell of a giant horned serpent, Uktena, with a glowing red crystal on its head, the prize of which will win the warrior who captures it great powers.

Exhibition Label:
"Roots and Journeys: Encountering Global Arts and Cultures," Jul-2011, Nancy Mahaney
Depictions of Awanyu in rock art throughout the southwest suggest ancient origins. Also known as the plumed serpent, this Tewa water deity’s tongue represents lightening and it is
thought by some to be related to the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl (Nahuatl for Feathered Serpent). The deity figure also shares striking similarities to the horned serpent Uktena of the Southeastern Ceremonial complex of North America. The legends of the indigenous peoples of the Southeastern United States
(Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw and Creek) tell of a giant horned serpent, Uktena, with a glowing red crystal on its head, the prize of which will win the warrior who captures it great powers.