Turtle Storyteller, signed by Jemez Pueblo Artist, Tim Tosa

$165.00
This beautiful Turtle Figure with five children was hand formed by Native American Jemez Pueblo Artist, Tim Tosa. One child holds a drum, one child is caring for an infant on a cradle board and two children are enjoying a piece of watermelon. Every element in storyteller figures refers back to something spiritual relative to the people group who produced the piece. Across many First Nations peoples turtles represent Mother Earth and as wise teachers who can guide individuals on their spiritual journeys and provide insights into the mysteries of life. This turtle carries 5 children forward into life, carrying with them items symbolizing other spiritual elements of their culture. The colors on this piece are bright and crisp, I see no evidence of soiling, no chips, cracks or repairs. The piece is clearly signed on the base. It stands approx. 3 1/4 inches tall, is approx. 4 1/2 inches long and is approx. 3 1/4 inches wide. Please carefully review photos for full perspective.

Storyteller figures are a relatively new genre in pueblo pottery. They first appeared in the 1960's when Helen Cordero of the Cochiti Pueblo created a storyteller figure in honor of her grandfather, Santiago Quintana, who was a tribal storyteller. Within the First Nations peoples, storytelling, though a form of entertainment serves a purpose far deeper than entertainment. The stories told are/were sacred. With no written language this was the means of preserving the thoughts and experiences of an entire culture. Tribal elders used stories as a medium to pass down cultural values to future generations. Mythologies teach and instill the principles, morals, and belief systems of a society in those who are listening. There is beauty and deep spiritual significance that goes into the creation of each one of these figures.

As always, thank you for stopping by our shop and for your interest in this piece. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.
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This beautiful Turtle Figure with five children was hand formed by Native American Jemez Pueblo Artist, Tim Tosa. One child holds a drum, one child is caring for an infant on a cradle board and two children are enjoying a piece of watermelon. Every element in storyteller figures refers back to something spiritual relative to the people group who produced the piece. Across many First Nations peoples turtles represent Mother Earth and as wise teachers who can guide individuals on their spiritual journeys and provide insights into the mysteries of life. This turtle carries 5 children forward into life, carrying with them items symbolizing other spiritual elements of their culture. The colors on this piece are bright and crisp, I see no evidence of soiling, no chips, cracks or repairs. The piece is clearly signed on the base. It stands approx. 3 1/4 inches tall, is approx. 4 1/2 inches long and is approx. 3 1/4 inches wide. Please carefully review photos for full perspective.

Storyteller figures are a relatively new genre in pueblo pottery. They first appeared in the 1960's when Helen Cordero of the Cochiti Pueblo created a storyteller figure in honor of her grandfather, Santiago Quintana, who was a tribal storyteller. Within the First Nations peoples, storytelling, though a form of entertainment serves a purpose far deeper than entertainment. The stories told are/were sacred. With no written language this was the means of preserving the thoughts and experiences of an entire culture. Tribal elders used stories as a medium to pass down cultural values to future generations. Mythologies teach and instill the principles, morals, and belief systems of a society in those who are listening. There is beauty and deep spiritual significance that goes into the creation of each one of these figures.

As always, thank you for stopping by our shop and for your interest in this piece. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.
This beautiful Turtle Figure with five children was hand formed by Native American Jemez Pueblo Artist, Tim Tosa. One child holds a drum, one child is caring for an infant on a cradle board and two children are enjoying a piece of watermelon. Every element in storyteller figures refers back to something spiritual relative to the people group who produced the piece. Across many First Nations peoples turtles represent Mother Earth and as wise teachers who can guide individuals on their spiritual journeys and provide insights into the mysteries of life. This turtle carries 5 children forward into life, carrying with them items symbolizing other spiritual elements of their culture. The colors on this piece are bright and crisp, I see no evidence of soiling, no chips, cracks or repairs. The piece is clearly signed on the base. It stands approx. 3 1/4 inches tall, is approx. 4 1/2 inches long and is approx. 3 1/4 inches wide. Please carefully review photos for full perspective.

Storyteller figures are a relatively new genre in pueblo pottery. They first appeared in the 1960's when Helen Cordero of the Cochiti Pueblo created a storyteller figure in honor of her grandfather, Santiago Quintana, who was a tribal storyteller. Within the First Nations peoples, storytelling, though a form of entertainment serves a purpose far deeper than entertainment. The stories told are/were sacred. With no written language this was the means of preserving the thoughts and experiences of an entire culture. Tribal elders used stories as a medium to pass down cultural values to future generations. Mythologies teach and instill the principles, morals, and belief systems of a society in those who are listening. There is beauty and deep spiritual significance that goes into the creation of each one of these figures.

As always, thank you for stopping by our shop and for your interest in this piece. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.