Jemez Storytellers: A Fragua Family Tradition
The Sought-After Jemez Storyteller
This month we celebrate the Fragua family of potters from the Jemez Pueblo in New Mexico. While they create many incredible polychrome figures, pots, and bowls, we will highlight the Storytellers, as they are truly a unique look into the traditions of the Jemez Peoples.
The first Storyteller was created in 1964 by Helen Cordero of the Cochiti Pueblo. Since then, the Jemez Pueblo Indians have become prolific producers of this style of pottery. Relatively recent as far as an art form goes, Storytellers symbolize the cultural heritage, knowledge, and wisdom of the generations. As the name implies, each clay figure tells a story of the traditions and history of the Pueblo. A good portion of pottery from Jemez is devoted to making Storytellers, singing mothers, and anthropomorphic versions with turtles, bears, and other symbolic animals.
It’s not hard to see why they are the most sought-after collectible form of clay art. All the materials used to create these sculptures are sourced from earth directly within the Pueblo, including the clay to shape them and the natural minerals to color them.
Clifford Kim Fragua
Born in 1957, Clifford creates unique polychrome pottery figures and Storytellers (Koshari clown figures, Corn Maidens, children on horse figures, red-on-white and black-on-white jars, bowls, vases, and ornaments). His designs are always evolving and changing. He often gives his contemporary work a traditional flair by featuring fine line hatching on split leaves, feathers, and cloud patterns.
Emily Fragua Tsosie
Emily is a fine art clay sculptor born in 1951. Her exceptionally formed figures are known for their animated expressions with corn husk tassels to make them even more lifelike. She has a special talent for giving each of the characters in her Storytellers an individual personality expressing happiness and joy.
Felicia Fragua Curley (Wallowing Bull)
Felicia is proud of her family traditions in pottery. Born in 1964, she comes from a long line of potters. As she says, her main goal is “Keeping the Pueblo way of life alive and strong!”. All her pottery is handmade and the materials are all natural from Earth. She creates polychrome jars, bowls, Storytellers (Mudheads, humans, animals, figures, Nativities, and miniatures).
Contemporary Jemez Storyteller by Linda Lucero Fragua
Linda Lucero Fragua
Linda describes her unique style by saying, “I like to be different from other people and have a different style of Storyteller.” Born in 1954, she collaborates with Phillip M. Fragua. Her favorite designs are the sun, eagle, corn stalks, and figures with children.
