Product Description
Wonderful Vintage Storyteller by Matriarch Cochiti Pueblo Potter, Helen Cordero, Circa 1960’s. This storyteller figure depicts a grandfather telling stories to the children of the Pueblo to 10 children. One child is crying and one is holding a ball. The two on his feet seem to be chuckling about something. It is signed by the artist on the bottom. This piece measures 11″ high by 4-1/2″ wide by 7″ front to back. This very charming storyteller 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
