Virgil Ortiz is probably one of the most recognized pueblo artisans today. He started making pottery at age 6 and still occasionally finds time to do more, but his life of producing designer clothing; designing furniture, making videos, producing photographs, and making jewelry leave very little time to pursue his earlier career of pottery production.

Ortiz's mother, Seferina Ortiz, encouraged her son to make traditional Cochiti pueblo pottery, but he would chose to go more modern later in his career.  This figurine which we have interpreted as Sasquatch was probably made when he was just a youngster, maybe 12 years or so of age, a time when he was following his mother's advice.

Condition: the figurine is in original condition.

Provenance: ex.coll. Taos Pueblo resident

Recommended Reading: Clay People: Pueblo Indian Figurative Traditions