Cochiti Pueblo Male Storyteller Figurine with 2 Children [SOLD]

Tim Cordero is the son of the late Jimmy Cordero of Cochiti Pueblo and his Hopi wife Lenora Holmes. Tim started making pottery between 1979 and 1980, at the age of 16 or 17, while living at Cochiti Pueblo with his grandmother, Helen Cordero.  Following Helen Cordero’s death in 1994, Tim no longer visited Cochiti Pueblo and therefore no longer made storyteller figurines. Even when Helen was alive, he only visited in summers so his production during those few summers was rather limited. I do not believe there are many of his storyteller figurines in existence.  This is only the third one we have had in the gallery, an indication that his figurines are indeed rather scarce.

The base areas of this figurine are slipped in Cochiti cream slip and highlighted with red slip and black paint for the designs. This is an early figurine by Tim, a time when he painted the eyes in the open position. Later, he painted them closed, as did his grandmother. There is a strong similarity between his work and his grandmothers, as would be expected.  The adult’s shirt is painted in the style of Helen’s work, with decorated sleeves and buttons down the front.

The figurine is signed, in guaco, Tim Cordero Cochiti, NMex and dated, in pencil, 2-8-80. 

Condition:  It is in original excellent condition.

Provenance: from a collector in Colorado

Recommended Reading: The Pueblo Storyteller by Barbara Babcock.  This book is currently not available from Adobe Gallery