Cochiti Pueblo Drummer Figurine with Drum by Ada Suina [SOLD]

Cochiti Pueblo Ceremonial Drummer:

Ada Suina’s Artistic Tribute to Pueblo Spirituality and Tradition

This large pottery figurine was created by Cochiti Pueblo potter Ada Suina. Drummers like the one depicted here play significant roles in many pueblo ceremonials, so it makes sense that they would appear often in pueblo artworks. Their hypnotic, repetitive rhythms carry the songs and the dances, which are key elements of the ceremonies' larger spiritual expressions. Many ceremonies are at once expressions of gratitude and prayers for abundance, performed not just for the pueblo but for the good of all beings.

With this figurine, Suina created a fine tribute to those who provide the ceremonial heartbeat. Suina's drummer is depicted with his mouth open in song. He carries a drumstick and a drum fabricated from wood and hide. He wears the typical ceremonial garb, with the notable addition of a sash over his shoulder, which is decorated with designs that would not be out of place on a Cochiti pottery piece. Suina augmented the traditional orange and black pigments with a second peach tone. Ada said that this special clay was given to her by Rick Dillingham. It's softer and lighter, appearing almost pink when viewed in the right light. We've seen this tone in other pieces from Suina, and it's always a welcome addition. Suina's figurines are always lively and full of character, with expressive movements and appealing faces. This example is exceptional in that regard. The wooden drum was made by Ada's husband Tony Suina.

The bottom is signed Ada Suina, Cochiti Pueblo, 5/18/81.

Ada Suina (1930- ) of Cochiti Pueblo is highly respected for her storyteller pottery figurines and nacimientos. She has always been recognized as one of the premier figurine potters at Cochiti Pueblo. Her figurines have strong, chiseled faces and happy expressions. She no longer makes pottery of any kind. Sadly, the white slip used by Cochiti potters is no longer available—the source has dried up. Rather than use the inferior slip that is available, some of the potters chose to no longer make pottery. Ada is one who chose to cease.

Ada Suina was born May 20, 1930, at Cochiti Pueblo, the daughter of Berina and Eluterio Cordero, sister to Stephanie C. Rhoades (Snowflake Flower). Her maternal grandmother Estefanita Herrera was instrumental in inspiring Ada to become a potter, and her cousin, Virginia Naranjo, taught her the intricacies of pottery making.

Ada made her first storyteller figurine in 1977. This drummer was made only four years after she began making figurines. It is an amazing pottery figurine and shows how fast Ada progressed as a potter.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Cochiti Pueblo Drummer Figurine with Drum by Ada Suina is from the estate of an Albuquerque family who purchased it directly from the artist.

Recommended Reading; Clay Mirror - From Monos to Storytellers: Reflections from Cochiti Pueblo. The Tom & Charlotte Mittler Collection

TAGS:  Cochiti Pueblo, Stephanie C. Rhoades (Snowflake Flower), Virginia Naranjo, pottery making, pottery figurines, Ada Suina