Helen Cordero
Cochiti (1915 - 1994)
Helen Cordero was the first potter to make a "storyteller" figure. She began in 1964 and the first pieces were inspired by memories of her grandfather who had been a children's storyteller at the Cochiti Pueblo. In a sense the pieces were also self-portraits because Helen would have been one of the children. Early on she was encouraged and supported by an astute folk art collector who understood the historical significance of her work. Today, any important collection of Pueblo Pottery would have to include a Cordero storyteller.
The present piece came to us from a local estate. Cochiti legend has it that Mother Turtle will come and rescue the children in times of trouble. This figure is unusual in that the Mother Turtle has her head turned backwards towards the children. $7,500
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