Narciso Abeyta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Narciso P. Abeyta
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| Born |
Ha So Deh
1918 Canoncito, New Mexico, U.S.
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| Died | June 22, 1998 |
| Nationality | Navajo, American |
| Education | Santa Fe Indian School, University of New Mexico |
| Known for | Painting, silversmithing |
| Spouse(s) | Sylvia Ann |
Narciso "Ciso" Platero Abeyta, also known as Ha So Deh (1918–1998), was a talented Navajo artist. He was a painter, a silversmith (someone who makes things from silver), and even a special Navajo code talker during World War II. He is famous for his bright and colorful paintings that show scenes from Navajo life. You can find his amazing artwork in museums, like the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian.
Contents
Early Life and Learning
Narciso Abeyta was born in 1918. He was named after his father, Narciso. His mother's name was Pablita. He started drawing when he was just eleven years old.
School Days
In 1939, Abeyta began attending the Santa Fe Indian School. There, he learned from a teacher named Dorothy Dunn. Besides art, Abeyta was also a skilled Golden Gloves boxer.
Serving His Country
During World War II, Abeyta joined the United States Army. He became a brave code talker. Code talkers used their native languages to send secret messages. This helped the military communicate safely. After the war, he faced challenges for a while. Later, he went to the University of New Mexico. He studied art there with Raymond Jonson.
Art Career and Family Life
Narciso Abeyta was mainly known for his paintings. His artwork often showed everyday life for the Navajo people. He used special brush strokes that looked a lot like the patterns found in Navajo rugs.
Mural Projects
Abeyta also created large wall paintings called murals. In 1934, he painted a mural for a classroom in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In 1939, he made another mural for Maisel's Indian Trading Post in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He even showed off his painting skills at the 1939 San Francisco World's Fair.
His Family
Abeyta married Sylvia Ann. She was a Quaker and an artist who worked with ceramics. They had seven children together. Two of their children, Tony Abeyta and Pablita Abeyta, also became artists. The family lived in Gallup, New Mexico.
Later Years and Art Legacy
Narciso Abeyta passed away on June 22, 1998, after a serious health issue.
His beautiful paintings are kept in important art collections. These include the National Gallery of Art, the National Museum of the American Indian, and the Museum of New Mexico. His artwork was also featured in a book called Southwest Indian Painting: A Changing Art. This book was written by Clara Lee Tanner in 1957.
