Circa 1890-1900’s JEMEZ PUEBLO ^Sun on Forehead^ DANCE DISK - Very Rare Artifact

Description

Circa 1890-1900’s JEMEZ PUEBLO ^Sun on Forehead^ Dance Disk
This is a very rare dance item from JEMEZ Pueblo (Walatowa).  Circa 1890-1900’s.  If you have seen the JEMEZ “Bullet Style” Dolls, you may recognize the ‘Sun on Forehead’ style of decoration.  These would normally be worn hanging down the back, somewhat like a bustle, but could also be worn on top of a mask.
It is as fine and exceptional an item as I have ever owned.
Description
: This one is on a canvas weight fabric which is tied around a straw bundle border with old crossed piñon sticks as a base.  There is also one very old leather tie.  Two different colors of red yarn were wrapped on a base string and then tied around the edges of the disk forming the aura or rays of the sun.  One half of the fringe is a deeper red and more tightly spun.  The other side is lighter red and less tightly spun.  I think the yarn being in two halves is not a coincidence.  I think it was deliberate on the part of the maker, dividing the disk (spiritually if you will) in two. The hanger on the back is a very old green and white calico, but probably not as old as the disk itself, which I think is late 19th/early 20th century.
Dimensions/condition
: The disk itself measures right at 5 inches in diameter.  With the fringe it is about 8 inches.  The sticks are 7.25" on the vertical and 7.75" on the horizontal.  The thickness of the canvas and straw bundle is about 3/4 inch.  The stains on the front looks all the world like old blood to me and the three at top look rather symmetrical for an accident.  Regardless, they are clearly from use.  The paint is very stable and a wonderful minerally light turquoise.  The canvas is still taut, but pliable.  There is minor surface wear, visible in the photo of the front, around the outer rim and in a circular area about 1/3 of the way in towards the center. To me, the condition is simply remarkable, particularly for an item which has certainly seen significant use.  I do think the canvas/fabric is commercial, rather than home spun.
The JEMEZ people believe that the Sun symbolizes abundance, continuity, stability, positive energy, hope, happiness and peace. The JEMEZ tribe associates it with warmth which made life and growth possible and believes it brings playfulness and joy to children along with good fortune and prosperity to families.  Praying to the Sun was a critical part of JEMEZ culture.
Normal wear, tear and losses commensurate with age of artifact.
* Photographs often are the greatest testament to actual condition.  Please study the pictures carefully as they are the greater part of the description.
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