This is the zenith of Señor Tomas Quintanas work. Before going any further, though, the first point to make is there are two areas which were broken and repaired. If you are still interested, please read on.
Señor Quintana won the Mata Ortiz Concurso 2024* 3rd Place Red Ribbon for this piece. It would have sold before the breaks for over $700. Because of the repairs, I am asking $425.
There are four photos of the 2 repairs. One is the tail feathers. The other is a triangular back base that the Figure sits on. They are both in areas which will not show if this is displayed on a shelf. The top and most visible area – the tail feathers – is especially well repaired. The photos have white circles drawn around the repair.
The steer skull is dramatic with its realism. It is heavily painted with significant ancestral imagery going back a thousand years in the Paquime culture.
On the head stands a bird of prey which has managed to embed the front portion of its beak into the the skull. Its wings are beautifully crafted and are too are covered every inch in cultural symbols and designs. The horns are robust and sturdy and add a sense of power and strength. The palette also has mystical designs with a definite southwest feel. Even the teeth have received attention in their design. This work is exquisite – and award winning! It will immediately rocket the level of class in any art collection of any room it resides.
The symbolic aspect arises from the use of traditional designs first implemented by Señor Quintanas ancestors 1000 years ago. The Paquime feathers, checkered patterns, and mask designs on the face are all an homage from a descendant to his great grandparents many times removed.
The piece is full and heavy and so unique to the artist colony of Mata Ortiz.
This figure is new and one of a kind and Señor Quintana has signed the underside.
* The Mata Ortiz Concurso is a yearly artistic competition in Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua, Mexico, to highlight the artistic and cultural value of Mata Ortiz ceramics. The event is open only to potters from the region of Paquimé and Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua. Each year, this fine folk art competition produces beautiful and innovative museum-quality pieces.