Male Storyteller Figurine with 9 Children by Helen Cordero [SOLD]

Everyone knows that Helen Cordero made the first storyteller figurine in 1964 as a tribute to her grandfather who was a storyteller at the pueblo. Alexander Girard, the great folk art collector, encouraged her to make more by purchasing all she made in the early days.

Since the figurine was in tribute to her grandfather, all of Helen’s storyteller figurines are male. She never made a female storyteller. A female figurine of hers is called a Singing Mother. Helen used to say that the other potters who made female storyteller figurines didn’t understand her intent.

This figurine is a testament to Helen’s talent, even at the end of her career. It was probably made in the mid-1980s. It is beautifully sculpted and painted. The children are randomly placed on the adult figurine, some even hanging on his back.

It has a marvelous patina that fits with its age. It is signed Helen Cordero Cochiti, N.M.