Ortiz, Seferina – Clay Turtle Storyteller with Two Kids (1970s)
$ 650.00
Seferina Ortiz was the matriarch of a family of renowned potters, including Virgil Ortiz, Janice Ortiz, Inez Ortiz, and Lisa Holt. This is one of her classic clay storytellers. The piece is a turtle with two kids on the back. The turtle is coil-built and detailed in the painting on the back. The piece 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 excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair. Definitely a classic figure by this historically important potter!
In stock
Martin, Mary Suina - Storyteller with Three Kids (1980s)
Cordero, Helen & Kevin Peshlakai - "Drummer" Clay Figure (1980s)
Lewis, Rita - Female Storyteller with One Child (1980s)
Herrera, Mary Frances - Storyteller with Eight Kids (1980's)
Ortiz, Seferina - Effigy Canteen with Raised Lizards (1980s)
Ortiz, Seferina - Clay Turtle with Cochiti Raincloud Design (1980s)
Ortiz, Virgil - "Tahu in Flight: 2180" Pueblo Revolt 1680/2180 Series Contemporary Clay Figure
Holt, Lisa & Harlan Reano - Dragon" 19" Long Clay Figure (2010)
Eustace, Felicita Herrera - Clay Horse and Rider (1990s)
Suina, Jeff - 19.5" Tall "Monolith" Architectural Jar
King, Charles S. - "Virgil Ortiz: ReVOlution"
Cordero, Helen - 10" Tall Storyteller with 9 Kids (1970s) 




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.