Seferina Ortiz Frog Storyteller Figurine [SOLD]

This is a whimsical frog storyteller figurine by Seferina Ortiz of Cochiti Pueblo, with a small frog on each foot, a larger one on its back, and a fly caught on its tongue. Decorated with traditional Cochiti motifs representing clouds, lightning, and rain.

The frog storyteller concept was adapted from the traditional human storyteller figures pioneered at Cochiti. This piece translates the concept to an animal figure. The central adult frog acts as the primary storyteller, adorned with smaller baby frogs — two clinging to its back and two perched on its lower front legs.

The adult frog is sculpted with an open mouth, a slightly exposed tongue, and a small fly/insect resting on its tongue. It was painted using traditional wild-harvested Cochiti natural pigments (bee-weed black/dark brown slip on a buff/cream natural clay body). It features classic Cochiti rain cloud motifs, lightning/arrow designs, and spotted patterns detailing the smaller frogs.

Seferina Ortiz (1931-2007) was a master potter from Cochiti Pueblo who learned traditional pottery techniques from her mother, Laurencita Herrera. She became famous for expanding Cochiti's figural pottery traditions, creating figurative vessels, animal effigies, and storyteller figures. She passed down her knowledge to her children — most notably Virgil Ortiz, Janice Ortiz, and Inez Ortiz — establishing a major artistic dynasty.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Seferina Ortiz Frog Storyteller Figurine is from the collection of a client from California

Recommended Reading: Clay Mirror - From Monos to Storytellers: Reflections from Cochiti Pueblo from The Tom & Charlotte Mittler Collection

TAGS: Laurencita Herrera, Southwest Indian Pottery, Cochiti Pueblo, Contemporary Pottery, Seferina Ortiz