Ortiz, Virgil – Monos Figure with Cochiti Designs (1994)
$ 5,400.00
Virgil Ortiz is known for his innovative style of Cochiti pottery, inspired by the Monos figures made at the pueblo in the 1880’s. As I wrote in the book, “Virgil Ortiz: Pueblo Revolt 1680/2180,
“This use of the figures for social commentary is where they derived their name, monos. The word is a colloquial blend of Spanish and Keres, with inexact definitions that range from “mimic,” “mocking,” or “cute” to “monkey.” While “monkey” might have suggested the elongated bodies and arms or the simplified open-mouthed faces of the figures, it was also a subtle racial pejorative aimed at their Cochiti makers.”
This is one of Virgil’s traditional clay figures made from native clay and painted with native clays and wild spinach (black). The figure is one of the few with bare feet. The body is painted with traditional Cochiti designs. The back and legs have an early version of the wild spinach design. The stance of the figure creates motion and movement, which is something Virgil worked on with his early figures. The piece was traditionally fired. The earrings are also traditional red clay and added after the firing. It is signed on the bottom and is from 1994. It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.
In stock
Virgil Ortiz is known for his innovative style of Cochiti pottery, inspired by the Monos figures made at the pueblo in the 1880’s. As I wrote in the book, “Virgil Ortiz: Pueblo Revolt 1680/2180,
“This use of the figures for social commentary is where they derived their name, monos. The word is a colloquial blend of Spanish and Keres, with inexact definitions that range from “mimic,” “mocking,” or “cute” to “monkey.” While “monkey” might have suggested the elongated bodies and arms or the simplified open-mouthed faces of the figures, it was also a subtle racial pejorative aimed at their Cochiti makers.”
This is one of Virgil’s traditional clay figures made from native clay and painted with native clays and wild spinach (black). The figure is one of the few with bare feet. The body is painted with traditional Cochiti designs. The back and legs have an early version of the wild spinach design. The stance of the figure creates motion and movement, which is something Virgil worked on with his early figures. The piece was traditionally fired. The earrings are also traditional red clay and added after the firing. It is signed on the bottom and is from 1994. It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.
Virgil Ortiz