Cochiti Pueblo Male Storyteller with 3 Children [SOLD]

Ada Suina has always been recognized as one of the premier storyteller figurine potters. Her male figurines, such as this one, have a strong, chiseled face, and the children have happy carefree expressions. She still uses all natural materials and fires the figurines outdoors in the traditional manner.

Ada resumed making pottery figurines a few years ago after several years of not doing so following the death of her husband.  She relied so much on his help in digging the clay and working it to a point where she could form the figurines. Now, at age 83, she has to do everything by herself, therefore it is taking significantly more time to complete a piece. She is not very actively making pottery at this time.

This figurine is an older one of hers, probably more than 10 years old, but is in original condition.  It is an excellent example of her work.  The male has his mouth open telling stories to the children on his lap.  He is dressed in his finest traditional clothing and has a red headband over his hair.  All three children are boys. 

Condition: original condition

Provenance: from a gentleman from Colorado

Recommended Reading:  The Pueblo Storyteller: Development of a Figurative Ceramic Tradition by Barbara Babcock, et al.