S12 Roland Beyale
Fancy Dancer holding a horse dance stick by Navajo artist Randall Beyale. The 23” Utah alabaster sculpture is on a 2” wooden base.
The Fancy Dance was introduced during the reservation era when the Lakota (Sioux) conducted large gatherings for spectators who wanted to witness a war dance.
Elder Traditional dancers wore a breastplate and regalia adorned with traditional quillwork or beadwork. The dancers’ regalia is made from natural material and is not as brightly colored as other dancers. Some regalia takes years to complete; some is handed down through generations of a family and may be over 100 years old. Dancers also carry a feather fan and, on occasion, a horse effigy dance stick.
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About the artist
Roland Beyale
Randall Beyale is a Navajo artist and sculptor from Crownpoint, New Mexico, a member of the Red Running into the Water Clan and a predominately self-taught Sculptor. Randall has spent several years perfecting the details of his sculpting.
His sculptures are representative of Navajo Life and his cultural heritage. His figures are often strong and dramatic, but also have a tender feeling. Roland works primarily in alabaster. Alabaster stone carving has been a Native American tradition for generations. Mined alabaster has been a favorite stone to work with for Native Americans because of its softness and unique colors.
"Inspired by the ways of his Dine' heritage as an Artist, he continues to look for the soul in the stone and upon finding it he only brings out what is already there ..........." Randall's inspiration is from his heritage and he is very involved with the Navajo Tribal Ceremonies. His work has won many awards from Native American Shows, and his work is in collections throughout the country.
A PARTIAL LIST OF AWARDS AND MENTIONS:
2003 - Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial Honorable Mention
1998 – Fountain Hills, Arizona Art Festival 1st Place, “Whispers in the Wind”
1997 – Heard Museum Phoenix, Arizona Honorable Mention, “Grandma’s Approval”
1997 – Collector’s Choice Scottsdale, Arizona Best in Class, “Grandma’s Approval”
1996 – Heard Museum Phoenix, Arizona Best of Division, “Awakening” (Bronze)
1995 - Southwest Mountain Art Festival Honorable Mention, Governor's Award, People's Choice
1995 - Heard Museum Phoenix, Arizona Honorable Mention, “Unconditional Love”
1994 - Gallup Inter-Tribal Gallup, New Mexico 2nd & 3rd Place, “Solitude”
1993 - Gallup Inter-Tribal Gallup, New Mexico 1st Place
1992 - Gallup Inter-Tribal Gallup, New Mexico 3rd Place, “Uncommon Valor”
1992 - Totah Festival Farmington, New Mexico 1st Place, “Beyond Tradition”
