Pueblo Stories & Storytellers

Some American Indians stories and legends. But I would rather have prefered more pictures of storytellers and notes on the artists. Still a good introduction to pueblo pottery. Huguette

If you are thinking of collecting the Storyteller Dolls, this is a good book to begin with. Or it makes a good accompaniment to a Storyteller Doll for a nice gift.

The wonder-provoking art of Native American Storytellers has been recreated in contemporary ceramics that are now a focus for avid collectors. For me, the most interesting aspect about storyteller dolls is that the making of these figurines was suggested by Alex Girard, famous designer & folk art collector. Girard encouraged potter Helen Cordero of Cochiti Pueblo to experiment with the figures in 1964 !! She made these, appropriately, to honor the memory of her storytelling grandfather Santiago Quintana. It was as though Girard's imagination gave birth to a new industry for Native American potters. I wonder if this is reflected in the marvelous & huge collection at Santa Fe's Museum of International Folk Art, one of the most exciting collections you will ever visit. As author Mark Bahti notes about craftspeople at Cochiti Pueblo: "new ideas and techniques enrich old traditions." His book is a very good introduction to both the storytelling and the making of the figurines. The latter is well-explained to those new to the art; more books to read are listed, but a promised Guide to Pronunciation is NOT included in my edition. Also, the figurines may soon represent a lost art, as oral traditions are fading. To have many of the stories preserved "on tape" is a blessing. In books, like this one, the stories should be read aloud - - you will find that children love these wild tales, and have a flair for acting them out, especially the cannibalistic ones! I hope there will be a new edition that includes a much needed GLOSSARY, & DATES for ALL of the pieces shown. I have loved this book for many years, and listen with admiration to storytellers in my own family . There are many ENCOURAGERS of the art, too, who should not be overlooked. FOR EXAMPLE, "TALL TALE TELLERS" gather in competition each June at the gorgeous Brown County Public Library in Nashville INDIANA to vie for prizes. Reviewer mcHAIKU urges you to search out similar opportunities, either among Native Americans or in your home state - - wherever there are good listeners, acive imaginations AND healthy dollops of dramatics. p.s., Among my favorite ceramics shown in Bahti's book are: p.17, the stunning OWL of Jemez Pueblo (NM); p.48, the mod-looking Jemez boot, reminiscent of "the old woman in the shoe" and p.47,the Storyteller, also from Jemez, with many children who have even clambered up to her top knot; p.40, the Story BOWLS, representing the cisterns of Acoma Pueblo (NM) - I, too, need to collect water!; p.48, the Santa Clara (NM) figure which should be replicated in CHOCOLATE for every child's Easter basket! and finally, the crazily striking Hopi (AZ) "koshari."