Male Storyteller with 5 Children made by Alma Concha [SOLD]

Alma is one of six Loretto sisters originally from Jemez Pueblo. Her sisters are Mary Toya, Fannie Loretto, Lupe Lucero, Edna Coriz and Dorothy Trujillo.  She began learning the techniques of making pottery as a child and has continued during her adult life.  Her first storyteller was made in 1969 after she married and moved to Taos Pueblo. 

Her style of storyteller figurines and nacimientos may be classified as minimalist in that there are few decorations on the figures.  The natural orange clay used for the base structure is covered with cream clay paint for clothing and hair.  The faces are without eyes and sometimes without mouths—resulting in the most minimalist of features.  This is a style developed completely by Alma and not copied by others.  This storyteller was made in 2003.

Alma has been known as Alma Loretto, Alma Concha, and now, Alma Maestas.  In 1979, she was a part of the landmark Albuquerque Museum exhibit "One Space: Three Visions."  Three years later, she was included in an article in National Geographic Magazine. 

Condition:  original condition.  It appears that Alma left a fingerprint on the right side of the head of one of the children.  That's as good as a signature!  Generally, if a potter touches the clay before firing, a fingerprint, which is not visible at the time, will reveal itself after firing.

Provenance: from the collection of Jeffrey Trent of Las Vegas, NV

Recommended Reading: The Pueblo Storyteller by Barbara Babcock