Storyteller Bear (His first)

Copied Louis Naranjo, Storyteller Bear (His first), ca. 1989, fired clay, slip and beeweed, 8 149 5810 in. (21.024.425.4 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson, 1997.124.165

Artwork Details

Title
Storyteller Bear (His first)
Date
ca. 1989
Dimensions
8 149 5810 in. (21.024.425.4 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
Keywords
  • Animal — bear
Object Number
1997.124.165

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)