standing human figure, unrecorded Kotyit artist

This standing human figure was made by the Cochiti peoples around 1880 in the Cochiti Pueblo, New Mexico territory. This work is made with ceramic and paint.

The potters of Cochiti Pueblo have been long celebrated for their vibrant tradition of figural ceramics. Between the 1870s and 1920s, artists created large human figures standing in dynamic poses, like this one, with details of their dress, hairstyles, and accessories delineated in black and white pigments. These playful, engaging figurines were created after new railroad lines brought an influx of non-Native visitors to the Southwest. These visitors served as both the target audience for the figures which were enthusiastically acquired by tourists, collectors, and museums—as well as a source of inspiration. Many interpret these figures as mocking portrayals of Spanish priests, traveling performers, clowns and other foreign visitors.”

Playful, engaging figurines like this one were created by the potters of Cochiti Pueblo in New Mexico after new railroad lines brought an influx of non-Native visitors to the Southwest between the 1870s and 1920s. This app shows a stereoscopic photograph of this work for sale in 1880, standing in a group of other similar ceramic figures in front of a painted background which shows some buildings along a street. Stereoscopic means there are two photographs taken side by side so that they could be viewed in a special holder that would make it appear three-dimensional. In front of the ceramic figures in the photograph is a sign that reads, “Indian Pottery!” Many scholars interpret these types of figures as mocking portrayals of Spanish priests, traveling performers, clowns, and other foreign visitors who were eager to purchase souvenirs like this figurine. In what ways can artists use humor to challenge societal norms?

This artwork is a large ceramic figure standing on a museum pedestal that is about two and a half feet tall. The figure is about 2 feet tall and appears to be male because he has a painted beard and smooth chest. The body is covered in a buff-grey colored paint or slip which is slightly glossy; details are painted in a black over the top. The style is somewhat abstracted. The arms are raised and curve smoothly out rather than having clearly jointed elbows and wrists. The right arm is lifted slightly higher than the left one. The hands have short fingers that are all the same length and shape and a fringe is painted around his wrists. His face is tilted upward and there are openings into the hollow interior of the piece for the wide-open mouth (as if he is talking or singing), stylized nostrils, and his eyes are open holes as well with black painted eyelashes and eyebrows. His body is round like a barrel-chested man and he steps forward slightly with his right foot. He has a black ring of hair painted on his head with the crown of his head left bare as if he has a bald spot. He also appears to be wearing a fringed vest with geometric designs on the front and a floral border around the back. He seems to also be wearing a high-cut leotard underneath, with striped tights and slipper-like shoes are painted on his feet.