Adobe Gallery Blog

Cochiti Pueblo figurines were at their prime between 1870 and 1920. They were most probably made in jest of non-Indian people: the Franciscan Monks, Spanish Merchants, Soldiers, Circus Freaks, etc. Unfortunately for today's collectors, the museum staffs shunned them. Not a single figurine was collected by the Indian Arts Fund from its founding in 1920 until after 1935.

Potters were discouraged from making them. The museum staffs thought they were grotesque and not fit for museum collections. Now, we find them charming, and today's collectors understand the humor and meaning of them. Had the potters been encouraged to make them, they would not be so rare today.

There are very few pieces available for collectors to purchase. We are fortunate to have acquired this one. We received the following letter in 2004 when we first acquired the figurine. It is from the great grandson of the original owner:

I have attached a photo of my Great Grandfather [see below]. He is posing with his wife, Mary (Finney) Morton, my grandfather on the left (Carl Willison Morton) and his son (James Ralph Morton). His name was William Walker Morton II. The photo was taken in 1887 in Washington, PA. He was living in Upper Buffalo, PA at the time.

He was a Presbyterian Minister and did extensive traveling throughout the US from the 1880s to the early 1900s. He was born on June 27, 1846 and died on March 1, 1927.

The figurine was made for him in his likeness. I understand he wore the minister's frock on his travels.
-Don Morton

When we first acquired this figurine from Don Morton in 2004, we asked Indian dealer and noted collector of Cochiti figurines to comment on this one for us. His comments are:

The 11-1/2" Cochiti figurine is a classic figure from the 1880s to 1900. Although they were still being made as late as the late teens, I believe this figure to be earlier. For a comparison, please see page 66 of the Clay People book. I believe this figure to be made by the same potter that made those pictured, as well as, the ones in the 1903 photo by Mr. George Pepper. This is a fine and rare example offered at a fair price.
-Bob Gallegos

Condition: excellent condition
Provenance: from the collection of the family of William Walker Morton II, descended through the family to his great grandson, Don Morton, from whom this was acquired.
Recommended Reading: Clay People: Pueblo Indian Figurative Traditions by Jonathan Batkin

Subject: Historic Standing Male Figurine, Circa 1880
Potter Unknown
Category: Figurines
Origin: Cochiti Pueblo
Medium: Native Materials
Size: 11-1/4" tall
Item # C3363A