Louis Naranjo Hunter Storyteller [SOLD]

This is a classic Cochiti Pueblo storyteller pottery figurine crafted by the renowned artist Louis Naranjo (1932-1997). Instead of the standard adult storyteller holding children directly, Naranjo has depicted a hunter storyteller with a bow and quiver strapped to his back. Seated on his legs are two children, each riding on the back of a deer with antlers.

As is traditional with Cochiti storytellers, the main figure and the children have open mouths, representing the oral tradition of passing down stories and songs through generations. The primary figure's eyes are closed in concentration as he speaks or chants.

It features natural hand-gathered clay decorated with traditional slip — terracotta red, creamy white, and black/dark brown wild spinach pigment. The bow and arrows attached to the back quiver appear to be crafted from natural wood/twigs.

The underside shows the authentic signature Louis Naranjo / Cochiti, NM and the production date '87 (1987).

Louis Naranjo was a master potter from Cochiti Pueblo who, alongside his wife Virginia, was highly celebrated for bringing whimsical humor, narrative detail, and inventive themes to Pueblo figurative pottery. He is particularly famous for introducing unique character variations to the storyteller genre, such as bear storytellers, hunting figures, and scenes incorporating animals alongside children.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Louis Naranjo Hunter Storyteller 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