From Irving's Scrap Book
Taos Fiestas
Las Fiestas de Taos, celebrated annually in Taos, New Mexico, originally emerged from a tapestry of diverse celebrations from around the area, some of which date back centuries. Today they are a tribute to patron saints Santa Ana (St. Anne) and Santiago (St. James). It wasn’t until the 1930’s that the fiestas we know today began to take shape. This convergence of celebrations, inspired by both the religious and communal gatherings, including Corn Dances from Taos Pueblo, was positioned to be held in July by local community leaders to leverage the area’s vibrant summer tourism. Over time, what started as a tourism-driven event has evolved, incorporating local Hispanic cultural elements and traditions, thus becoming an integral part of Taos' cultural landscape and identity.
Witness to this evolving cultural and community celebration was a young Irving Couse, grandson, and namesake of the artist Eanger Irving Couse. Documented in a family scrapbook are glimpses of the Taos community and the fiestas as they happened around the era of World War II.
Ben Lujan walks with his son, Telesfor, and Irving Couse on Paseo Rd., 1941
Disclaimer: Cultural Sensitivity and Historical Context
This online exhibition features photographs from the 1940s, showcasing individuals in costumes representing various ethnicities, reflective of a time with differing societal norms regarding cultural representation. We acknowledge that these images, viewed through a contemporary lens, may be interpreted as cultural appropriation, and want to clarify that they are products of their time and do not reflect the current values or beliefs of our institution. By presenting these historical artifacts, our aim is to foster dialogue about cultural sensitivity, the evolution of societal attitudes, and the complexities of cultural representation. This exhibition is intended to encourage thoughtful reflection and understanding, underlining the progress towards greater respect and mutual appreciation among diverse cultures.
References
Rodríguez, S. (1997). "When the Fiesta is for Tourists: The Invention of the Taos Fiesta."