Large Male Storyteller with 10 Children by Helen Cordero [R]

Helen Cordero was truly an original artist. Unable to fashion pottery vessels in a manner with which she could be satisfied, she changed her course to figurative pottery, rather than give up altogether. Little did she know that she was starting a new tradition in pueblo pottery production?

Cordero created a pottery figurine of an adult male with numerous children clinging to every part of him. This was the beginning of the “storyteller” figurine and was inspired by memories of her grandfather years earlier. She created the first storyteller figurine in 1964. A storyteller made by her is to be a treasured item in any collection.

This male storyteller is an excellent example of those made during Cordero’s prime period of the 1970s. The children are climbing all over the adult and appear to very animated.

The figurine is in excellent condition. It has a marvelous patina that fits with its age. It is signed Helen Cordero Cochiti, N.M.