Cochiti Drummer Figurine by Mary and Leonard Trujillo

Rhythms of Tradition:

The Cochiti Pueblo Drummer Figurine by Mary and Leonard Trujillo

This drummer figurine was made by Mary and Leonard Trujillo of Cochiti Pueblo. It is a wonderful example of this motif, executed by skilled potters using traditional methods and materials. Those who are familiar with Cochiti figurines and the artists who make them will likely recognize that this piece is particularly stylish and appealing.

The primary figure appears in the traditional Storyteller pose—seated, eyes closed, mouth open (to indicate speaking or singing). He wears a tall black hat and a collared shirt with floral elements, stripes, and rain cloud patterns. His right hand holds a drum beater; his left hand holds a leather strip, which is attached to the large drum that sits in his lap. A child sits on each foot, facing toward the primary figure. The typical black and orange pigments are augmented with a wonderful light blue, which adds an additional dimension of beauty to the piece.

The bottom of the figurine is signed Mary and Leonard Trujillo, Cochiti Pueblo.

Mary Trujillo (b.1937), the daughter of José and Leonidas Cata Tapia, was originally from Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo. Mary was mentored by her mother, who was an excellent San Juan Pueblo potter. When she married Leonard Trujillo (1936-2017), she moved to Cochiti and has lived there since. Mary soon switched from San Juan style pottery to Cochiti style, under the tutelage of Helen Cordero. Leonard Trujillo was the adopted son of Helen Cordero. Mary first made pottery figurines in the early 1980s. She still lives at Cochiti but is no longer active in making pottery. Mary said that the loss of their primary source for the white slip was devastating. None of the Cochiti potters found a replacement slip that was satisfactory, so many of the older potters ceased making pottery. Mary and Leonard's works are highly regarded by collectors of Cochiti Pueblo pottery.

Condition: Very good condition. Light abrasions and some adhesive material on bottom, but neither is visible when the piece is displayed. Small holes in each child's right hand suggest that some additional element, probably a drum beater, had at some point been present.

Provenance: this Cochiti Drummer Figurine by Mary and Leonard Trujillo is from a private collection

Recommended Reading: CLAY MIRROR From Monos to Storytellers Reflections from Cochiti Pueblo-The Tom & Charlotte Mittler Collection

TAGS: Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, Cochiti Pueblo, Helen Cordero, Geraldine Trujillo, Southwest Indian Pottery, Mary and Leonard Trujillo