Ortiz, Virgil – “Riverman – May 3rd” Clay Figure (1998)

7"w x 9"h

$ 1,800.00

This is an early piece by Virgil Ortiz.  It is made from native clay and painted with bee-weed (black) and red clay.  It was made in 1998.  The figure is an interesting one, as it is one of the “Rivermen” who appear at Cochiti Pueblo on May 3 each year.  The Rivermen are part of Pueblo culture and it is interesting how Virgil used them as part of his early artwork.  It has been said of the Rivermen:

The Cochiti Pueblo word for the Rivermen is “ah-wa-roo” and, when pronounced, is almost like the Spanish word, “abuelo,” which means “grandfathers.” The Riverman name probably originated because the figure appears from the Rio Grande, which is east of Cochiti. Its connection to Christianity is tied to the fact that the first house the figure enters is the church. Its connection to Spanish is to the language because it is always prayed in the Spanish language and its conversations are in Spanish.  The Rivermen arrive each May 3rd and they are the disciplinarians for children.  The children are “ransomed” with fry bread.  Children breathe a sigh of relief when the church bell rings because it means the Rivermen are ready to go home to the River.

This figure is made in Virgil’s early style with solid hands.  “May 3rd” is written on the back of the neck of the figure.  It was traditionally fired.  The piece is signed, “Virgil Ortiz”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.