Cochiti Pueblo Seated Figurine with Avanyu Arms [SOLD]

Virgil Ortiz is probably one of the most versatile of all pueblo potters. He makes traditional figurative pottery, experimental figurative pottery, traditional pottery vessels, jewelry, furnishings, and, now, designer clothing for Donna Karan.

In this figurine, Virgil has portrayed a creature with serpent arms and hands, animal-like feet, and a beard. The moustache and beard are typical of the older Cochiti figurines from the 19^th century.

This piece is signed and appears to be dated 1990. It is in original excellent condition with the exception of some very minor abrasion of the black paint on the back of the head.

Virgil’s figurines were featured in a two-person exhibit at the Wheelwright Museum in 1999. The exhibit catalog is entitled Clay People: Pueblo Indian Figurative Traditions and is available from the Wheelwright Museum Case Trading Post.

Provenance: From the estate of Transcendental artist Florence Pierce of Albuquerque who passed away in 2007 at the age of 89.