The art of making clay effigies is as ancient as the Anasazi peoples who inhabited the deserts of New Mexico many centuries ago. In recent history it is the Cochiti Pueblo Potters who are known for clay effigies depicting many different aspects of their everyday life. Yet it was not until 1964 that Helen Cordero of Cochiti Pueblo created her first “Storyteller” figure. Cordero’s Storyteller model was her grandfather who gathered his grandchildren around him to play the drum, sing them songs, and tell stories of their Indian heritage and traditions.

It is estimated that there are well over 200 Pueblo potters now creating Storytellers. Every potter has her own special clay, technique, tools, and colors that are used to create their Storytellers.

Other popular Storytellers are of non-human forms, such as a variety of animals, cOrnament, moccasins, etc. Indian potters also create an Indian “Nacimiento” (Nativity Scene) depicting their version of how the birth of the Christ Child must have appeared to them.

Prices of Storytellers may vary from a few dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the popularity, fame, and awards the maker has won in art shows, galleries, and fairs.