This is a large Monos bust by Virgil Ortiz inspired by traditional Cochiti designs. Virgil was inspired by the Monos figures made at Cochiti Pueblo in the late 1800s. This is one of his busts made from native clay and painted with wild spinach (black) on cream-colored clay. The piece is entitled, “Pilot” and has a modernized style. The figure has an extended mustache and goggles.  The neck has mountain designs.  The tabs on the head are made from native clay and slipped red.  The busts are a striking stylistic approach that Virgil took to the clay nearly two decades ago.  Today, he is creating larger and more complex busts using non-native clay.  It’s great to see where the creativity in these pieces began!  The piece is signed on the bottom, “Virgil Oritz”.   it is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  It appears in the book “Virgil Ortiz: Revolution” as a full-page image!