Nicolas Ortiz

Mata Ortiz

Nicolas Silveira Ortiz is a potter working in Mata Ortiz. He seems to specialize in intricate carved and painted figures. He is a sculptor first and a painter second. His effigy pots are close to true form and fantastically painted with Paquimé and Mimbres designs. He learned the basics from his younger brother Macario and from hanging out at Felix Ortiz' house in the late 1970s. Since then he has become rather famous for his zoomorphic effigies: eagles, rabbits, javelina, snakes, mice and desert tortoises.


Carved head and legs on a black on black javelina with Paquime geometric designs across the body
Black on black javelina with Paquime geometric designs on the body plus a carved head and legs
6.75 in H by 10 in Dia
Geometric design on a black on black javelina with textured tail, head and legs
Textured tail, head and legs on a black on black javelina decorated with a geometric design
6.25 in H by 9.75 in Dia
Geometric design on a finely textured black on blck javelina A finely textured black on black javelina with a geometric design
7.5 in H by 11.25 in Dia

Mata Ortiz/Casas Grandes Potters