Ortiz, Seferina – Clay Drummer Storyteller Figure (1970s)

Seferina Ortiz was the matriarch of a family of renowned potters, including Virgil Ortiz, Janice Ortiz, Inez Ortiz, and Lisa Holt. This is a classic drummer storyteller by Seferina.  The original storytellers were male figures, and Seferina created “drummers”.  They may well have been inspired by her husband, Guadalupe, who was known for famous for making Cochiti drums.  This piece has a leather mallet in his hands.  Note the detail on the shirt, which is very complex! The figure is slipped with white clay and then painted with a red clay slip and wild spinach (black).  The piece is signed on the bottom, “Seferina Ortiz”.  It was traditionally fired and in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  Definitely a classic figure by this historically important potter!

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Ortiz, Seferina (1931-2007)

Seferina Ortiz is certainly one of the great matriarchs of Cochiti Pueblo. She learned to make pottery from her mother, Laurencita Herrera. She is also the matriarch of a family of innovative potters including Virgil Ortiz, Janice Ortiz, and Lisa Holt. Seferina created traditional style Cochiti pottery figures and vessels. Seferina won numerous awards for her pottery at events such as Santa Fe Indian Market.