Cochiti Pueblo Pottery Raccoon Figurine

The "Nosy" Neighbor: A Late 19th-Century Cochiti Raccoon Effigy

The Cochiti Pueblo potters of the late 1800s were the great satirists and observers of the Southwest. While other Pueblos focused primarily on utilitarian jars and bowls, the artists of Cochiti turned their eyes toward the people and creatures around them, developing a world-renowned tradition of figurative pottery fueled by a wicked sense of humor.

The Cochiti Tradition of "Monos"

During the late 19th century, as the railroad brought a flood of outsiders to New Mexico, Cochiti potters began creating "Mono" figurines. These were often playful, slightly mocking depictions of the new arrivals: wide-eyed tourists, stern padres, flamboyant Spanish merchants, and eccentric circus performers.

This spirit of whimsy extended into the animal kingdom, leading to the creation of charming effigies like the one we are featuring today.

Anatomy of an Enigma: The Floral Raccoon

While the exact species is up for debate, this figure possesses the unmistakable curiosity and "masked" charm of a raccoon. The animal features a prominently elongated snout — the perfect tool for "nosing around" plants, uprooting soil, and hunting for bugs. In a beautiful juxtaposition of nature and spirit, the snout is filled with fine dots representing rain, while the body is elaborately adorned with flowing floral designs. The figure is executed in the classic black-over-cream slip, providing a sharp contrast that makes the floral work pop. In keeping with traditional Cochiti polychrome, the underside is finished with a rich, deep red slip.

A Century of Character

Dating to the late 1800s or the very beginning of the 1900s, this figurine has witnessed over a century of history. It represents a pivotal era when Pueblo pottery moved from the kitchen to the collector's shelf, yet it retains all the authentic "soul" of a piece made for the artist's own amusement.

Condition: this Cochiti Pueblo Pottery Raccoon Figurine is in very good condition for its age. One ear is chipped.

Provenance: from the collection of Alexander E. Anthony, Jr. who received it as a gift in jest to pantomime the late night visits to his house of raccoons over several years at which time they dug up newly planted flowers.  The raccoons still visit every night but are doing less damage.

Recommended Reading:  CLAY MIRROR From Monos to Storytellers Reflections from Cochiti Pueblo. The Tom & Charlotte Mittler Collection