#easterceremony

The Yaqui Deer Dance is most prominent during the Easter season. The deer dancer wears a shawl wrapped as a skirt with a belt traditionally made of deer hooves. He carries a gourd in each hand and ties rattles to his ankles. A real or imitation deer head is fastened to his head. Red ribbons wind around the horns to represent flowers. This ceremony inspired DeGrazia to create several works of art including the seven-foot bronze statue of the Deer Dancer in the gallery’s courtyard. Happy Throwback Thursday!