Lincoln Fox, The Basque Sheepherder
Lincoln Fox
born 1942 Morrilton, Arkansas; lives Alto, New Mexico
The Basque Sheepherder
1989
bronze
Albuquerque Museum, museum purchase with funds from 1987 General Obligation Bonds; 1% for Art Funds, City of Albuquerque; and the Albuquerque Museum Foundation
PC1990.24.1
The Basque Sheepherder is a larger than life homage to shepherding which has been a part of cultural and farming practices across the globe for millennia. Shepherding was a distinct way of living during the development of the Western United States. While the cowboy became the most well known symbol of the West, the shepherd was an integral member of the community throughout the 17th and 18th century. In Albuquerque, the 1790 census revealed that agriculture and weaving were the primary occupations in Old Town. The shepherd is depicted with strength and dignity to honor his profession’s hard work and contributions to New Mexico’s culture and history.