Product Description
Wonderful Vintage Storyteller drummer by Matriarch Cochiti Pueblo Potter, Helen Cordero, Circa late 1960’s. In excellent condition, this Grandfather drummer measures 9″ high by 5″ wide at the widest part and 7″ front to back. It is signed by the artist on the bottom and is from the collection of a renowned trader. PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL FOR MORE INFORMATION
It was in 1964 that Helen Cordero is said to have created her first storyteller. She was depicting her grandfather who was a storyteller at the Pueblo. Helen Cordero was from the Pueblo of Cochiti in northern New Mexico along the Rio Grande river west of Santa Fe. Helen’s first storyteller was a man with children but later she began creating other works including drummers and singing mothers. She lived from 1915 to 1994
Helen dug her own clay at the Pueblo, drying and sifting it to make the desired finished clay with which she built her figurines. In addition, she sourced plant and minerals that she used to paint them, from Cochiti Pueblo.
Helen’s storyteller style became popular quickly, creating a new tradition of pottery making.
Helen Cordero was honored as a Santa Fe Living Treasure in 1985