Jo Jacinto Mora was a Uruguayan painter, cartoonist, sculptor, and illustrator. He was born in 1876 to parents Domingo and Laura Giallard Mora. Jo grew up to be influential in the arts. Domingo was a Catalan sculptor who had relocated to Uruguay in 1862 with hopes of exploring the New World. It was in Uruguay where Domingo met Laura Giallard Mora, and the two fell in love, eventually having their first son, Francis Louis Mora, in 1874. Two years later, Jo was born. However, due to the intense political climate caused by the split of the Colorados, the Moras quickly found refuge in Spain.

After living briefly in Spain, the Moras moved again, this time to Manhattan, where Domingo had found a high demand for his work as a sculptor. In the East, Jo had the opportunity to watch the Buffalo Bill show, which sparked his love for the American West, particularly igniting his interest in the Native American Hopi Snake Dance. Mora traveled west in search of a chance to witness the dance in real life. Unfortunately, what Mora did not realize was the dance's seasonality, as it only took place in late August.