Louis Naranjo, Storyteller Bear (His first), ca. 1989, fired clay, slip and beeweed, 8 1⁄4 x 9 5⁄8 x 10 in. (21.0 x 24.4 x 25.4 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson, 1997.124.165
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Storyteller Bear (His first)
- Artist
- Date
- ca. 1989
- Location
- Dimensions
- 8 1⁄4 x 9 5⁄8 x 10 in. (21.0 x 24.4 x 25.4 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
- Subjects
- 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)