A day before her divorce was final, an award-winning Navajo weaver, whose work was pictured on a U.S. postage stamp, was found shot to death at her Cortez home. A manhunt is underway for her husband.
Anita Tsosie, 48, was found dead Monday afternoon by her mother, who lived next door, authorities said Wednesday.
Authorities are searching for Tsosie’s estranged husband, 54-year-old Herman Tsosie, in connection with her death.
He may be driving a 1995 white Ford F350 four-door crew-cab truck with silver stripes, said Montezuma County Sheriff Gerald A. Wallace. The truck has Colorado license plate 461-DIH.
A temporary restraining order was issued against Herman Tsosie in December at his wife’s request, court records show.
On her website, anitatsosie.com, Anita Tsosie described herself as a third-generation weaver who was introduced to the craft at the age of 3.
“Weaving is part of my everyday life,” she wrote. “My artistry represents generations of teaching and heritage maintained by our people.”
Tsosie won awards from the Santa Fe Indian Market, a top showcase for art of American Indians.
Anita Tsosie is survived by a teenage son, Reno Tsosie, and a 21-year-old daughter, Carrie Kay Tsosie.
Anyone with information about Herman Tsosie is asked to call 911 or the Cortez Dispatch Center at 970-565-8454.
Staff writer Felisa Cardona can be reached at 303-954-1219 or fcardona@denverpost.com.
