George Cordero Male Storyteller with Two Children and Drum

Cochiti Pueblo artist George Cordero made this male storyteller figurine as one who is chanting and drumming rather than telling a story. He is singing to the two boys on his legs. One of the boys is joining him in drumming. It is critical to teach the younger generation the importance of continuing with ceremonial responsibilities. This way, important cultural rituals continue to include oral and musical storytelling and dance. The drummer is usually the central figure and maintains cadence and even commands a pause or shift of feet during a dance.

The male figure has a rust red shirt with a button collar. He wears a pueblo cross necklace, has a decorated belt and traditional moccasins. One of the boys is dressed in a fashion like the adult, and the other one is dressed in a very elaborate painted design.

George Cordero (1944-1990) was the son of the famous Cochiti Pueblo potter Helen Cordero. George's sister, Antonita Suina, and his daughter Buffy Cordero also made figurine pottery. It was Helen Cordero who taught all of them to make pottery figurines.  And it was Helen who invented the storyteller figurine.

Condition: this figurine is in original condition with the exception that the drumstick belonging to the small boy is missing.

Provenance: this George Cordero Male Storyteller with Two Children and Drum was purchased by Adobe Gallery in 1999 from an individual and sold to the current owners.  It was most likely made in the 1980s, a time when George was more actively making pottery.  

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