Large Storyteller Figurine with Eleven Children

The Trujillos’ Storyteller Figurine and the Echoes of Helen Cordero’s Influence

Cochiti Pueblo artists Mary and Leonard Trujillo created this storyteller figurine. The central male figure is decked out in his finest garb, including a squash blossom necklace, a tall black hat, and an elaborately designed shirt. On his back, vertical lines of orange floral elements appear, separated by and decorated with thin lines in bold black. These floral elements appear on his sleeves as well.

Eleven children climb, cling to, and sit on the man. They are reminiscent of those that appear on Helen Cordero's pieces, which makes sense given that Mary learned the art of pottery making from Helen. The notable difference here is in the children's faces—Helen's usually have straight horizontal lines for mouths, while Mary and Leonard's have smiles on their faces. As with Helen's work, the children appear in a variety of positions and wear clothing with unique patterns. Bold orange and black pigments further amplify the lively energy of the scene. This is an impeccably made pottery figurine with plenty of character.

The bottom of the piece is signed Mary & Leonard Trujillo, Cochiti Pueblo.

Mary Trujillo (b.1937), the daughter of José and Leonidas Cata Tapia, was originally from Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo. Mary was mentored by her mother, who was an excellent San Juan pueblo potter. When she married Leonard Trujillo (1936-2017), she moved to Cochiti and has lived there since. Mary soon switched from San Juan style pottery to Cochiti style, under the tutelage of Helen Cordero. Leonard Trujillo was the adopted son of Helen Cordero. Mary first made pottery figurines in the early 1980s. She still lives at Cochiti but is no longer active in making pottery. Mary and Leonard's works are highly regarded by collectors of Cochiti Pueblo pottery.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Large Storyteller Figurine with Eleven Children is from a private California collection

Reference: Southern Pueblo Pottery: 2,000 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf.

TAGS: Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, Cochiti Pueblo, Helen Cordero, Geraldine Trujillo, Southwest Indian Pottery, Mary and Leonard Trujillo