Son Ford Thomas, also known as James "Son Ford" Thomas, lived his entire life in Mississippi, making his living as a grave digger.  He is widely recognized as a leading figure in traditional Delta blues music.  Thomas began making art full-time in 1971 and became known for his clay figures sculpted from clay he gathered on the banks of the Yazoo River.  His skulls and other heads often include real teeth collected from local dentist offices.  Son Thomas was featured in the 1981 exhibit of Southern folk art at the Corcoran Gallery in Washington, D.C.