Cochiti Pueblo Standing Male Figurine by Helen Cordero [R]

Helen Cordero was truly an original artist. She will go down in the annuals of potters of the likes of Maria Martinez and Nampeyo of Hano. These matriarchs of the pueblo world deserve credit for bringing to the attention of collectors something unique and beautiful. All collectors are indeed indebted to them for their creative genius.

Cordero made figurative pottery and first exhibited hers at a Santo Domingo feast day in the early 1960s. Architect and folk art collector, Alexander Girard, bought all the pieces and encouraged her to make more and bring them to him. He encouraged her to add more children and make larger pieces. When thinking this over, she remembered her grandfather and made an image in his honor with a number of children climbing over him. This was the beginning of the storyteller figurine.

Helen also made other figurines. She made female figurines with Hopi hairstyles, turtles with children on their backs, animals, and nacimientos, female figures with pottery on their heads, standing males, and female figures with children.

This standing male figurine was quite possibly made at the same time and as a companion to the seated female figurine (Item #C2809B). They are both from the same collection and both show the same patina. They do indeed make a fine pair.