Peña was a student of Dorothy Dunn at The Studio of the Santa Fe Indian School in the early 1930s. He had, however, started painting earlier, as early as the 1920s, and continued until his death in 1979. His complete name was José Encarnación Peña and his Native name was spelled Soqueen, Soqween, So Kwa a Weh, translated to Frost on the Mountain. Those who remember him in his later years recall that he was called Enky (pronounced "inky").

This wonderfully primitive painting of a Koosa or Koshare Clown was painted in 1978, the year before he passed away at the age of 77.  It was a gift presented by him to someone named Bobbie and is autographed to her.

Condition: The painting appears to be in original excellent condition.  It is double-matted and framed in a gold-toned metal frame.

Provenance: ex. coll. Presented by the artist to a Santa Fe resident named Bobbie.