Seferina Ortiz was the matriarch of a family of renowned potters, including Virgil Ortiz, Janice Ortiz, and Lisa Holt. This is one of her most famous styles of storytellers, which is the bear.  It is a bear holding four cubs.  Each cub is in a different position, and the mother has a fish in her mouth.  There is a Cochiti bowl by her feet. The bowl is part of the storyteller and it is painted with a cloud design.  It is a charming piece painted with white Cochiti clay and then with wild spinach (black) and red clay slip and fired.  The piece is signed on the bottom, “Seferina Ortiz”.   It was traditionally fired and is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  A creative piece by this historically important potter!