Virgil Ortiz Black Bear Storyteller Figurine [SOLD]

This Cochiti Pueblo Pottery Bear Storyteller figurine by Virgil Ortiz is a classic example of traditional Cochiti figurative pottery, blending historical Pueblo storytelling themes with Ortiz's distinct expressive style.

The central figure is an upright black bear main figure depicted with an open mouth — a signature motif in Pueblo storyteller pottery that symbolizes the oral tradition of passing down stories, history, and language to younger generations.

Clinging to and positioned around the main figure are two bear cubs, one of which is finished in a warm terra cotta slip, holding its paws to its head. The second cub is finished in black pigment with red and cream accents, resting against the main figure's side.

The piece utilizes simple, expressive facial features, bold painted accents on the muzzle, ears, and paws, and defined claws.

True to Cochiti pottery traditions, pieces like this are hand-molded using natural Cochiti clays, hand-slipped with natural mineral paints (white/cream slip, red slip, and wild spinach plant extract for black), and fired in an open firing.

Virgil Ortiz comes from a long lineage of renowned Cochiti potters. His mother, Seferina Ortiz (1931-2007), and grandmother, Laurencita Herrera (1912-1984), were foundational figures in Cochiti pottery. Seferina was especially famous for her animal storytellers — including bears, frogs, and coyotes carrying cubs or children — a tradition Virgil learned directly while growing up.

Before Virgil Ortiz expanded into his futuristic Revolt 1680/2180 universe and high-fashion collaborations, much of his early career was dedicated to preserving and mastering traditional Cochiti figurative pottery (monos and animal storytellers) passed down through his family. Animal storytellers like this bear figure remain widely sought by collectors of Southwestern Native American art.

There is no remaining signature on the figurine, however, it was purchased from Virgil Ortiz at Indian Market in 1989.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Virgil Ortiz Black Bear Storyteller Figurine is from the collection of a client from California

Recommended Reading: Revolution - Virgil Ortiz, by Charles King

TAGS: traditional pottery vessels, jewelry, Seferina Ortiz, Cochiti Pueblo, figurative pottery, Virgil Ortiz