Cochiti Female Storyteller with Five Children [SOLD]

In the first decade following the creation of the storyteller figurine by Helen Cordero, only about eight potters at Cochiti Pueblo were producing such figurines. It was these eight potters that we featured in our first Storyteller Exhibit in the early 1980s. Among them was Seferina Ortiz. She is one of the earliest potters to make storyteller figurines.

Since Seferina passed away in 2007, it has been more difficult for us to acquire pottery figurines made by her because most collectors who have them are keeping them since they cannot be replaced. It is a pleasure for us to be able to post this one to our site.

A collection of 32 items of pottery by Seferina is in the Peabody Museum of Harvard University.  She is considered one of the matriarchs of the potter population of Cochiti Pueblo.  Not only did she leave a legacy of her pottery, she left a legacy in her children—Joyce, Janice, Inez, Virgil, Leon and Angie, some of whom are considered top potters today.

This wonderful female figurine is sitting with a lap full of children.  Cuddled in her right arm is a boy, and on her right leg is a girl.  Another boy rests against her left foot and a child in her left arm is either holding an infant or a doll, so there may be four or five children, depending on one’s view.

Condition: this Cochiti Female Storyteller with Five Children is in original condition

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

Provenance: from the collection of a family from Corrales, New Mexico