Louis Naranjo, Storyteller #1, November 14, 1987, fired clay, slip and beeweed, 9 3⁄8 x 11 1⁄8 x 8 1⁄4 in. (23.8 x 28.3 x 21.0 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson, 1997.124.166
Copied
Artwork Details
- Title
- Storyteller #1
- Artist
- Date
- November 14, 1987
- Location
- Dimensions
- 9 3⁄8 x 11 1⁄8 x 8 1⁄4 in. (23.8 x 28.3 x 21.0 cm)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson
- Mediums
- Mediums Description
- fired clay, slip and beeweed
- Classifications
- Subjects
- Figure group
- Fantasy — winged being
- Performing arts — music — voice
- Recreation — leisure — storytelling
- Object Number
- 1997.124.166
Artwork Description
Louis Naranjo created traditional Cochiti images, such as dancers, hunters, and animals. His Storyteller sculptures show figures surrounded by children, their eyes closed and their mouths open as if they are singing traditional songs. He created his signature Storyteller Bears based on observations while hunting. These are also shown with many cubs as if they, too, are telling a story or singing a song. (Chuck and Jan Rosenak, Museum of American Folk Art Encyclopedia, 1990)