Storyteller with Twenty Figures

Copied Helen Cordero, Storyteller with Twenty Figures, ca. 1985, fired clay with slip and beeweed, 11 1⁄8 x 7 7⁄8 x 11 in. (28.3 x 20.0 x 27.9 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak and museum purchase made possible by Mrs. Gibson Fahnestock, 1997.124.148

Artwork Details

Title
Storyteller with Twenty Figures
Artist
Date
ca. 1985
Location
Dimensions
11 1⁄8 x 7 7⁄8 x 11 in. (28.3 x 20.0 x 27.9 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak and museum purchase made possible by Mrs. Gibson Fahnestock
Mediums
Mediums Description
fired clay with slip and beeweed
Classifications
Subjects
  • Figure group
  • Performing arts — music — voice
  • Recreation — leisure — storytelling
Object Number
1997.124.148
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1997.124.148

Artwork Description

Born into the Fox clan, Cochiti Pueblo, in New Mexico, Helen Cordero is best remembered for her clay storytellers. In Pueblo lore, storytellers represent the power of story and tradition. Cordero's figures always have closed eyes and open mouths, as if they are singing traditional Cochiti songs. She carved small figures of children climbing around the storytellers, clinging to their clothing and listening intently to show the importance of passing down Cochiti customs to the next generation. (Rosenak, Museum of American Folk Art Encyclopedia, 1990)