Cochiti Figurine of a Seated and Chanting Drummer [SOLD]

Helen Cordero’s husband, Fred Cordero, was a drum maker.  Cochiti and Taos Pueblos are famous for the drums made by men of the 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 all of 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. 

This figurine by Buffy shows a drummer in the position of chanting and beating the drum.  His eyes are closed and his mouth open and his head is slightly tilted back.  He has his legs crossed, something not often seen by other potters.

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

Condition:  original condition