Male Storyteller with Four Children by Ada Suina

This classic male storyteller figure reflects the traditional Cochiti Pueblo figurine pottery style. The central figure wears a classic headband wrapping around to tie his hair into a traditional bun (chonga) at the back. His shirt is detailed with black pigment painted accent lines, a bolo tie necklace element, and traditional Pueblo trousers with side pockets and moccasins.

His open-mouthed expression is symbolic of the oral tradition, depicting the storyteller mid-song or story. There are four small children, three boys and one girl — two resting on his lap, and two clinging to his shoulders/arms — listening attentively.

The figure features classic Cochiti white/cream slip as the base coating, red clay slip accents on the headband, pants, and clothing, and black bee-weed (guaco) pigment painting for the fine line details and hair.

The underside clearly shows the handwritten signature in pencil on the red clay base: Ada Suina | Cochiti Pueblo.

Ada Suina (b.1930), a talented artist from Cochiti Pueblo, began her pottery journey in her mid-forties, inspired by her mother-in-law, Aurelia Suina. Her storytellers, first created in 1977, showcase her natural talent for capturing the human form in clay. Taught by her mother, Teresita Romero, Suina maintained traditional coil techniques, outdoor firing methods, and natural mineral/vegetable slips (guaco) throughout her career. This piece is a testament to her insights as a mother having raised eleven children and a deep connection to her cultural heritage.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Male Storyteller with Four Children by Ada Suina 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, Stephanie C. Rhoades (Snowflake Flower), Virginia Naranjo, pottery making, pottery figurines, Ada Suina