Monica Pecos Cochiti Female Storyteller with Four Children

This storyteller figurine is the first we have encountered that was made by Monica Pecos, a potter from Cochiti Pueblo. Cochiti Pueblo is renowned as the birthplace of the modern Pueblo storyteller figurine tradition (originated by Helen Cordero in 1964).

The piece depicts a traditional female storyteller in a seated position with her mouth open — a classic feature signifying the oral tradition of sharing stories, history, and song with future generations. She is accompanied by four children placed around her arms, back, and lap (including one in a traditional cradleboard).

The figurine was formed using traditional Cochiti hand-coiling methods and painted with a natural cream slip, dark black vegetal pigment, and red/terracotta accents.

Monica Pecos is a traditional ceramic artist from Cochiti Pueblo, the historic birthplace of the modern Pueblo storyteller figurine tradition. Although recorded in arts publications as a Cochiti potter, details surrounding her family background and artistic lineage remain largely undocumented. Given the extreme rarity of surviving work attributed to her, Pecos was likely not a prolific maker, creating only a limited number of pottery pieces and storyteller figurines during her lifetime.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Monica Pecos Cochiti 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: Southwest Indian Pottery, Cochiti Pueblo, Contemporary Pottery, Monica Pecos