Seated Male Drummer Figurine with Black Hat and Drum [SOLD]

It is a well-known fact that Helen Cordero created the male storyteller figurine in remembrance of her grandfather.  It may or may not be well-known that she made the first drummer figurine in honor of her husband, Fred Cordero, because he was a drum maker.  The tradition of both figurines continues with many potters now making both storytellers and drummers.

This drummer was made by Mary and Leonard Trujillo, members of Helen Cordero’s family.  Leonard was an adopted son of Helen and Fred Cordero and Mary is Leonard’s wife. 

This figurine wears a black hat that is glued onto the head, has long black braids hanging down his front, carries a drumstick in one hand and has a pottery drum grasped by his other hand.  In the fashion of the storyteller figurines, his eyes are closed and his mount is open in chorus.  This figurine was made around 1990 and is co-signed by the artists.

Condition: very good condition with minor repairs only to the drum handle

Recommended Reading: The Pueblo Storyteller by Barbara Babcock

Provenance: we sold this to a client in 1990 and now have it back from her estate through her daughter.