Helen Cordero Pottery Figurines

Adobe Gallery presents a collection of pottery figurines made by Helen Cordero of Cochiti Pueblo.  Included in the exhibit will be two male storyteller figurines, a female singing mother, two male drummers, a mother turtle, and a magnificent nacimiento (nativity set)—a very good selection of her pottery.

Helen Cordero, who passed away on July 24, 1994, was truly an original artist from Cochiti Pueblo. Unable to fashion pottery vessels in a manner with which she could be satisfied, she changed her course to make figurative pottery rather than give up altogether. Little did she know that she was starting a new convention and innovation in pueblo pottery production.

Helen Cordero created a pottery figurine of an adult male with numerous children clinging to every part of him. This was the beginning of the "storyteller" figurine and was inspired by memories of her grandfather years earlier. She then continued innovating and created other figurative pottery.  A pottery figurine made by her is to be a treasured item in any collection. She once commented early on “I guess I really started something.” Now, the storyteller is a common figurine produced by potters from every pueblo that still makes pottery today.

The exhibit opens on Thursday, August 15th from 4 to 6 pm and continues through August 31st.