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Description

Ceramic figure of a female storyteller. She is depicted lying on her stomach, hands on either side of her head, legs elevated, and with ten children on her back. All figures are beige. She has a smooth circular face, large nose and round open mouth; eyes and nostrils done in black, mouth is dark orange. Short black hair, done in relief, wraps around top and sides of head. She is wearing flat shoes, short-sleeved dress and long necklace; shoes and necklace done in dark orange, dress is black with orange geometric motifs. There is a tied bow on her chest, and a wide belt wrapped around her waist. Nine of the children are lying on the storyteller's back, one is straddling the back of her neck. All of their hair is black, facial features a mix of black and dark orange. Their eyes are horizontal lines, noses are dots, and mouths are closed. The children are wearing pants and an assortment of short-sleeved and buttoned shirts. A majority of them have their arms crossed across their stomachs, others have their hands raised to their faces. All have black shoes and beige outfits; outfits are highlighted with dark orange. Artist signature painted on belly of storyteller, underneath belt.

Narrative

Purchased by the donor on a trip to Yellowstone National Park, WY, in 1990. Signed 'Toya Jemez' so the specific name of the maker, from the Jemez Toya family of potters, is unknown.

Iconographic Meaning

Storyteller figures are made by the Pueblo peoples of New Mexico. They usually show a man or woman with their mouth open, surrounded by children listening to the storyteller.