Pueblo Native American Storyteller Pottery Figurine

This is a hand-coiled and hand-painted terracotta clay figurine known as a 'Storyteller,' a traditional art form originating from the Cochiti Pueblo in New Mexico. The piece features a central seated female figure, the storyteller, with an open mouth signifying the oral tradition of passing down stories. Clinging to her are three smaller children figures, each rendered with simplified features and distinct black and red accents. The material is a natural buff-colored clay with matte pigments in black and rust-red (iron oxide slip). Its construction is characteristic of the late 20th-century folk art revival, likely dating between 1970 and 1990. The storyteller's dress and the children's hair bands are meticulously painted with traditional geometric patterns. The condition appears sound, with a soft, natural patina and no visible cracks or major chips, though there is minor surface wear and small scuffs consistent with age and handling. The work exhibits the charming, rounded proportions and warm aesthetic typical of authentic Pueblo pottery. While no artist signature is visible in this view (usually found on the base), the craftsmanship suggests a skilled artisan familiar with regional Southwestern techniques. The figure stands approximately 4 to 6 inches tall and is a classic example of cultural folk art.