Ben Lujan

Ben Lujan

Ben Lujan was Couse's most frequently featured model as well as a lifelong friend. Nephew of Juan Concha, also one of Couse's models, Ben Lujan began modeling for Couse at the age of ten in 1902. Ben's Indian name was Walsāi, meaning "Medicine Growing in One Place" or "Place Where Medicine Grows". Ben became a part of the Couse Family, he became "blood brothers" with Couse's only son Kibbey. Ben helped raise Kibbey's children when they visited Taos every summer. The painting that Ben Lujan is featured in above is titled "Pottery Decorator" was made by E.I. Couse in 1920-21. There is an accompanying photo that Couse used to create the painting Attached to this file are the moccasins that Ben wore to pose for this painting, as well as three of the pots located in the photo and the painting. Not attached is the pot that Ben is holding and two of the small pots in the foreground.

1891

Taos Pueblo

1975

TSA model, gardener

See: Leavitt, Virginia Couse, Eanger Irving Couse: The Life and Times of an American Artist: 1866-1936, p. 259, 291... etc.