A Cochiti Polychrome Figure 
Virgil Ortiz
c. 2004

clay, paint, signed on the bottom, Virgil Ortiz, Cochiti Pueblo, 04

Provenance:
Property from the Collection of Dr. Gerald and Mrs. Laurette Maisel

Height: 16 ¼ inches

In Southern Pueblo Pottery: 2000 Artists Biographies, author Gregory Schaaf writes, "Virgil explains that his figures are drawn from 19th century and early 20th century figures from Cochiti. Some figures were inspired by bizarre circus performers from Mexico - including the Two-headed Man, the Muscle Man, and Tattooed Ladies - who toured New Mexico over a hundred years ago. Other figures portray Opera Singers and Characters seen in Pueblo puppet shows," Schaaf, Gregory, Southern Pueblo Pottery: 2000 Artists Biographies, CIAC Press, Santa Fe, NM, 2002, p. 225.