Ada Suina 7-Kids Storyteller Cochiti Pottery
Ada Suina is probably the finest traditional Cochiti potter active today. She represents the transition from the earliest period of Cochiti storytellers in the mid-1960s (shortly after their "invention" by Helen Cordero) and the more recent stylized sophistication of potters like Virgil Ortiz. As the popularity of storytellers exploded over the past three decades, numerous potters in virtually every pueblo developed their own unique style based on the original concept. Ada, probably more than any other potter, has remained true to the original style as defined by Helen Cordero. One serious problem facing Cochiti potters today is the lack of the cream-colored slip used for the background color on traditional Cochiti storytellers. For many decades the potters from Cochiti had purchased this slip from Santo Domingo potters because the site for the slip is located on Santo Domingo land and known only to a few of the potters from that pueblo. In recent years however, the clay used for the cream slip has begun to run out and Santo Domingans will no longer sell any of it. Ada has been able to keep going because she purchased the remainder of Helen Cordero's slip at the time of Helen's death. But that is fast coming to an end as well, and we may be approaching the end of an era.
In a productive year, Ada probably manages to make one storyteller a month due to the painstakingly slow methods she uses. To her, each storyteller is really like a child and its sale is a painful experience. Were it not for economic need, Ada would probably still have every piece she ever created.
The present creation is one of Ada's storytellers, measuring a full 10 1/2 inches tall, 9 1/2 inches deep and 6 3/4 inches wide. It has seven kids, a large number for Ada. This is an incredible piece of pottery, and given the difficulty of obtaining slip, a rare one.
If the pictures do not answer all of your questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or call me at 925 462 5794. Ask for Tony. Payment plans are available.
Item No.: A1387
Artist: Ada Suina
Size: 10 1/2 in H x 9 1/2 in D x 6 3/4 in W
Price: 2,875
