Cochiti Pueblo Figurine of Seated and Chanting Drummer by Buffy Cordero Suina [SOLD]

This Cochiti Pueblo Storyteller Figurine by Buffy Cordero (1969-) shows a drummer in the position of chanting and beating the drum. His eyes are closed, his mouth is open and his head is slightly tilted back. He has his legs crossed, something not often seen by other potters.

Buffy Cordero learned pottery making from her famous grandmother Helen Cordero.  Her figurines are collectible because of the quality, rarity and her direct link to the creator of the Storyteller Figurine. 

Helen Cordero’s husband, Fred Cordero, was a drum maker.  Cochiti and Taos Pueblos are famous for the drums made by men of those villages.  It is known that Helen created the storyteller in honor of her grandfather. What is less known is that she created the drummer figurine in honor of her husband.

Helen made a point of teaching her children, George and Antonita, and her grandchildren, Tim and Buffy, the intricacies of making pottery figurines.  To the best of my knowledge, none of the children or grandchildren continued making pottery after Helen passed away.

Condition: this Cochiti Pueblo Figurine of Seated and Chanting Drummer by Buffy Cordero Suina is in original condition

Provenance: Previously in the collection of a family from Albuquerque, now from a client to whom we sold it in 2015.

Recommended Reading: The Pueblo Storyteller: Development of a Figurative Ceramic Tradition by Barbara Babcock

Relative Links: Buffy Cordero, Cochiti Pueblo, Storyteller Figurines, Helen Cordero

Artist Photo of Buffy Cordero Suina courtesy of Gregory Schaaf, John and Georgiana Kennedy.

Reference: SOUTHERN PUEBLO POTTERY 2,000 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf, page 100.