Biography cordero helena

Cochiti Pueblo potter

Helen Cordero (June 15, 1915 – July 24, 1994) was a Cochiti Pueblopotter from Cochiti, New Mexico. She was renowned for her storyteller pottery figurines, a motif she invented,^[2] based upon the traditional "singing mother" motif.^[3]

Early work

She first learned to create leatherwork, then in the 1950s started creating pottery birds and animals that her husband painted.^[4] It is said that Helen's aunt suggested clay as a medium over the more expensive leather.

She also recommended figures after the early attempts by Helen at bowls and jars were misshapen.^[5]

Style and materials

Cordero "followed a traditional way of life including digging her own clay and preparing her own pigments".^[6] She used three types of clay, all sourced near Cochiti Pueblo, and clay and plant materials for paint.^[7] Over time, Helen's finish became more refined, and she made her children separately i