Cochiti Open Mouth Frog Figurine [SOLD]

Figurine pottery has always been a tradition at Cochiti. Long before other pueblos were producing figurative pottery, Cochiti was in the forefront. Frogs seem to have been a favorite by a number of potters there.

This frog with a very wide open mouth is highly decorated and best viewed from the rear.  There is a bug on its tongue, rain clouds with lightning and rain on its sides, and raised bumps on it back.

The artist, Juanita Arquero, was a sister of Cochiti drum maker Fred Cordero, the husband of Helen Cordero.  It was Juanita Arquero who encouraged Helen Cordero to make pottery as a means of earning extra income.  The two potters would sell their wares in Albuquerque's Old Town and at Pueblo feast day activities.  They later taught pottery classes together at a school in Bernalillo, New Mexico. 

Condition:  the figurine is in original condition.

Provenance: from the collection of Katherine H. Rust

Recommended Reading: The Pueblo Storyteller by Barbara A. Babcock