Jemez Pueblo Storyteller Miniature Boy With Basketball

More than a decade ago, at Martha Struever's gallery, we did a small show called Christmas in Jemez Pueblo. The presentation highlighted charming hand-built pottery nativities, angels, ornaments and storytellers.

For the show, Marti reminded collectors that at Jemez Pueblo the winter months are long, dark, and cold. Storytelling is a nightly event when elders tell family and tribal stories that impart their history and customs. Jemez pottery storytellers commemorate this long-standing tradition. 

Marti Struever had spent months acquiring pieces for the pottery show. During that time, she acquired this miniature storyteller, a mom and her son holding, of all things, a basketball. So enchanted by this particular pottery miniature, Marti refused to add it to the show and instead kept it for herself. She was the mother of two boys, so this little piece must've touched her heart. It's not inherently a Christmas ornament, but it came out at Christmas time as part of a table display. 

One can easily imagine different stories about this pottery miniature. Notice the naughty scowl on the little boy's face. Did he receive his basketball for Christmas, and he's mad that he has to sit quietly during story time instead of going outside to play? We can only imagine. 

Whether it's for the holiday or everyday, this precious piece will make you smile. If you're a mom or a son, you know. 

It measures 1 1/2" x 1" and is signed "MC Jemez" on the reverse.