Helen Cordero (Cochiti, 1915-1994) began making pottery figures in the 1950s. There are clay female figures from the Ancestral Puebloans of the 400s and Cochiti artists made satirical figures in the 1880s, poking fun at the visitors who began to invade the Pueblos with the coming of the railroad, from circus performers to the clergy. In 1964, Cordero began making her famed storyteller figures based on her grandfather, a Cochiti storyteller.
Helen Cordero (Cochiti, 1915-1994), 17-figure pottery nacimiento, ca. 1972, clay, pigment, goat skin, wood, turquoise, 6½"
Also in the 1950s, sets of figures depicting the nativity began to appear. “Nacimientos” have been popular in Europe since the 15th century. In 1972, Cordero began creating a 17-figure nacimiento. It is the centerpiece of the exhibition Native American Nacimientos at Adobe Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico, continuing through November 23. The exhibition includes 12 sets made by artists from a variety of Pueblos. “Another highlight,” the gallery notes, “is a set by Manuel Vigil, a Tesuque artist who is widely recognized as the creator of the very first Native nacimiento. One might assume that the subject matter—highly specific, and religious in nature—would inspire rigid, formulaic artworks, but this exhibit suggests otherwise. The viewer will notice an incredible amount of cultural and personal expression within the artworks included in the exhibition.”
Juana Leno (Syo-ee-mee Turquoise) (Acoma, 1917-2000), Acoma Pueblo pottery nacimiento, 3½"
In the 1980s, Adobe Gallery was instrumental in bringing attention to Cochiti Pueblo figurines—animals, storytellers and nacimientos. Cordero recalled, “For a long time, pottery was silent in the Pueblos.” She was instrumental in its revival and said, “To make good potteries, you have to do it the right way, the old way. And you have to have a special happy feeling inside. All my potteries come out of my heart. I talk to them. They’re my little people, not just pretty things that I make for money.”
Troy Sice (Zuni), 14-piece carved antler nacimiento, antler, gemstones, metal, 55⁄8"
The figures in a 14-piece carved antler nacimiento by Troy Sice (Zuni) are adorned with gemstones and metal. Sice is a third-generation at Zuni, carrying on a tradition that goes back to prehistoric times.
Also among the pieces in the exhibition is a 21-figure nacimiento by Juana Leno (Acoma, 1917-2000), its figures ranging from 2 to 3 inches tall. Gallery owner Alexander E. Anthony Jr. recalls, “For years, I drove out to her home at Acomita and purchased pottery from her, and I was always charmed by how graceful she was and what beautiful work she produced.” —
Adobe Gallery
Through November 23, 2019
221 Canyon Road, Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 955-0550, www.adobegallery.com
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