Cochiti Pueblo Pottery Story Hour by Rita Lewis with 9 Children [SOLD]

When we organized our first Storyteller Exhibit at Adobe Gallery in Albuquerque in 1979, there were only five potters making these figurines—Helen Cordero, Dorothy Trujillo, Mary Frances Herrera, Seferina Ortiz, and Rita Lewis. Sadly, today, all of these potters are deceased.

Rita, the daughter of famous potter Ascencion Banada, married Ivan Lewis, son of famous potter Lucy Lewis. Together they started making bowls and animal figurines around 1971, and storyteller figurines around 1973. Following the death of Ivan, Rita continued making storyteller figurines alone.

Rita’s potteries have always been made in true traditional fashion, using Cochiti clay, slip, and vegetal paints and firing the pieces outdoors. Her male figurines sit straight and formal and have a regal appearance. This one is truly exceptional. He wears a brick-red bandana on his head, has a striped blanket draped over a shoulder, a drumstick in his right hand and an accompanying drum.

There are three children attached to the adult figurine and six additional children sitting around him listening to his stories.

Condition:The figurine was originally purchased sometime around the 1980s and is in original pristine condition.