Cochiti Pueblo Storyteller Figurine with Three 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. She passed away in 1991.

Rita's potteries have always been made in true traditional fashion, using Cochiti clay, slip, and vegetal paints and firing the pieces outdoors.

In this figurine, there are two children clinging to the front of the adult figure and one clinging to the back.   It is traditional in every sense—clay, paint, and firing.

Condition: it is in excellent condition and is signed by the artisan.

Provenance:  from an Albuquerque pottery collector

Recommended Reading:  The Pueblo Storyteller by Barbara Babcock