Modern Polychrome Female Storyteller circa 1970s by Mary Martin

Crafted by Cochiti Pueblo (Ko'tyit) artist Mary Martin, this female storyteller figurine is painted with light-black and light-brown pigments over a buffed bentonite cream slip. Subtle polychrome accents highlight the jewelry and clothing of both the elder and the children. The central figure appears to be telling a story to the young boy and girl held in her arms, their gender is indicated by their traditional attire. The storyteller's eyes are closed in deep concentration indicated by simple curvilinear lines. On the central figures back, cloud and mountain motifs symbolize fertility, renewal, and the vital forces of life. This figurine is signed on the bottom Mary Martin Cochiti Pue.

A Deeper Look at Mary Martin

Known for her whimsical storyteller figurines, Mary Martin (1927-2011) Tsiranitsia ("Frog"), used traditional clay hand-building techniques to make her storytellers. Cochiti Pueblo (Ko'tyit) had a long history of producing figurative pottery. It reached its prime in the last quarter of the 19th century and the first quarter of the 20th century. There was a strong revival in the early 1970s with the production of storyteller figurines. Martin is also related to Cochiti Pueblo (Ko'tyit) potters Snowflake Flower and Ada Suina.

Condition: good condition

Provenance: This Modern Polychrome Female Storyteller circa 1970s by Mary Martin is from a client of Adobe Gallery.

Reference and Recommended Reading: The Pueblo Storyteller: Development of a Figurative Ceramic Tradition by Barbara A. Babcock, Guy and Doris Monthan

TAGS: Cochiti Pueblo, figurative pottery, storyteller figurines, Stephanie Rhoades - Snowflake Flower, Ada Suina, Felecita Eustace, Mary Martin