Stories Sung in Clay: Helen Cordero

We are pleased to present a delightful collection by one of the most esteemed Native potters of the 20th century. Helen Cordero was born in Cochiti in 1915 but didn’t begin making pottery until the late 1950’s. An encounter with designer Alexander Girard inspired her to make her first storyteller doll in 1964, ushering in a wildly popular pottery genre.

The pieces in this collection date from the 1970’s and 80’s, her most productive, refined and creative period. The work of Helen Cordero was often inspired by her grandfather and by Pueblo traditions, but was defined by her creativity and innovative spirit.