Two Women on a Rug

Oqwa Pi (Abel Sanchez) was one of several promising painters who learned the basics of mural painting and watercolor at the Santa Fe Indian School. Moving back to San Ildefonso Pueblo, he led an active life as a religious leader and statesman, holding the position of Tribal Governor for six terms. In addition to raising his large family and fulfilling his extensive community obligations, he maintained a successful artistic career, fitting in his painting between feast days and using his dining room as a studio. His work features scenes of secular ceremonies and, as seen here, of his community’s daily life.