Josephine Arquero Female Storyteller with Four Children

This seated female storyteller figurine by Cochiti Pueblo potter Josephine Arquero features the hallmark charm, expressive detailing, and traditional hand-coiled craftsmanship characteristic of her work. She is known for her warm, distinctive face modeling, painted textile details, traditional Cochiti slip, and playful arrangement of children or animals.

The composition of the piece is a seated female figure with an open mouth — symbolizing the oral tradition of storytelling and song — and traditional hair knot (or chongo) tied in back. The figure is dressed in a traditional terracotta manta with bold black and white geometric sleeve borders, a patterned belt line along the waist, and a decorative back panel design.

There are four attached children — two nestled on her lap in front with their hands spread out in enthusiasm, and two clinging affectionately to her sides/back. The children are all dressed in traditional Pueblo clothing.

The figurine was hand-shaped using native Cochiti clay and finished with natural mineral pigments (red slip, white slip, and wild spinach black paint). It was fired in the traditional Pueblo method, giving the slips their soft, matte patina.

The base shows the traditional hand-polished clay on which is signed in ink: Josephine Arquero / Cochiti / N.M. 

Josephine Arquero (1935-2018) was a member of the influential Arquero/Herrera family of Cochiti Pueblo potters and learned traditional pottery making from her mother, Damacia Cordero. Josephine's figurines do not resemble those of her mother's, but have a character of their own. She was the sister to Martha Arquero, Marie Laweka, and Gloria Herrera, all of whom are recognized potters.

Condition: very good condition   

Provenance: this Josephine Arquero Female Storyteller with Four Children is from the collection of a client from California.

Recommended Reading: The Pueblo Storyteller: Development of a Figurative Ceramic Tradition by Barbara Babcock Ph.D.

TAGS: Damacia Cordero. pottery, Martha Arquero, Marie Laweka, figurative pottery, traditional clothing, Josephine Arquero