Male Storyteller with 11 Children by Tim Cordero [R]

Tim Cordero is the son of the late Jimmy Cordero and his Hopi wife Lenora Holmes. Tim started making pottery between 1979 and 1980, at the age of 16 or 17, while living in Cochiti with his grandmother, Helen Cordero.

According to the owner of this storyteller figurine, who purchased it directly from Tim at Helen’s house, it is one of Tim’s earliest pieces. It was purchased in 1980.

Major areas of the figurine are light beige, with terra cotta and black painted accents. As in Helen’s figurines, the adult’s eyes are closed and the mouth is open.

The two children on the adult’s right arm have been glued to the figurine. It appears that they separated from the main figure after firing and required gluing. The remainder of the figurine is in original condition.

The figurine is signed, in guaco, Tim Cordero Hopi & Cochiti, and in ink, Helen Cordero Grandmother. I do not believe this was a co-ventured item between grandmother and grandson, but rather Helen’s signature is to acknowledge that Tim was a member of her family.