Louis Naranjo Black Bear with Cubs, Fish and Bowl [SOLD]

This piece is a classic Bear Storyteller by renowned Cochiti Pueblo artist Louis Naranjo (1932-1997). The open-mouthed expression of the main bear and cubs signifies singing or telling tales to convey tradition to the next generation. Louis crafted this piece using traditional Cochiti clay, natural slip pigments, and guaco (beeplant) paint for dark accents.

As you noticed, this piece features two terracotta cubs clutching large fish decorated with fine black-and-white scale line work, along with a decorated Pueblo-style storage bowl holding two additional fish. It charmingly depicts the cubs demonstrating their freshly learned fishing skills.

Louis Naranjo is famous as the innovator of the Bear Storyteller motif. Legend has it that while deer hunting, Louis came around a large boulder and stumbled upon a mother bear playing with her twin cubs. After quietly sneaking away, the memorable interaction inspired him to adapt the traditional human storyteller form — pioneered by Helen Cordero — into bear figures. Louis learned from his mother (Frances Suina) and wife (Virginia Naranjo). The bottom shows Louis Naranjo's signature.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Louis Naranjo Black Bear with Cubs, Fish and Bowl 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: Cochiti Pueblo, pottery, Frances Suina, Virginia Naranjo, figurative pottery, Louis and Virginia Naranjo, Louis Naranjo