Helen Cordero Storyteller Figurine with Four Children [On Approval BM]

Evolution and Symbolism of Helen Cordero’s Storyteller Figurines

When Helen Cordero created the very first storyteller figurine in 1964, it was a male figure with five children, made specifically for folk art collector and interior designer Alexander Girard. He had seen some of her animals and human figurines, and requested she make the human figures in larger sizes. She had previously made female figures holding a child, which are known as Singing Mother figures, but her first storyteller, and all subsequent ones, were male figures.

Helen Cordero's early storyteller figurines were smaller than those made in the mid-1970s and 80s. She slowly enlarged the figurines to add more children. Although her figurines are not dated, it is likely that this one was made in the late 1960s.

As we know, potters believe that clay is a living substance given to the people from Mother Earth. Each item made from clay acquires a conscious existence with a life of its own. To Helen Cordero, the male storyteller figurine was representing her grandfather, who she remembered gathering around him children to hear stories.

The cream color slip on this figure is the traditional Bentonite slip from a local Cochiti Pueblo source. Bentonite requires only rag wiping rather than stone polishing. The black pigment was sourced from the Rocky Mountain bee plant, and the red color is a naturally occurring local red clay.

The adult male figure has his eyes closed and mount open. Helen said he is contemplating what to say and the open mouth indicates he is speaking or singing. The child on his leg has his hands over both eyes, probably because the story is frightening. Two children sit on his shoulders, clinging to his head. On the back of the adult is a single child clasping the shirt. The adult has strips of beadwork on his shirt, and he wears a cross necklace. Each child is dressed differently.

This figurine represents a period when Helen Cordero had refined the storyteller figurine to a style she would continue making throughout her life. It represents her best work.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Helen Cordero Storyteller Figurine with Four Children is from the collection of a Santa Fe resident

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

TAGS: storyteller figurine, pottery, Cochiti Pueblo, Antonita "Toni" Suina, Buffy Cordero, Tim Cordero, Evon Trujillo, Helen Cordero, Cochiti Pueblo Potter