Age, Biography and Wiki

Helen Cordero (Helen Quintano) was born on 15 June, 1915 in Cochiti Pueblo, New Mexico, U.S., is a Cochiti Pueblo potter. Discover Helen Cordero's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Learn How rich is she in this year and how she spends money? Also learn how she earned most of networth at the age of 79 years old?

Popular As Helen Quintano
Occupation Traditional potter
Age 79 years old
Zodiac Sign Gemini
Born 15 June, 1915
Birthday 15 June
Birthplace Cochiti Pueblo, New Mexico, U.S.
Date of death 24 July, 1994
Died Place N/A
Nationality Mexico

We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 15 June. She is a member of famous with the age 79 years old group.

Helen Cordero Height, Weight & Measurements

At 79 years old, Helen Cordero height not available right now. We will update Helen Cordero's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible.

Physical Status
Height Not Available
Weight Not Available
Body Measurements Not Available
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Who Is Helen Cordero's Husband?

Her husband is George Cordero

Family
Parents Not Available
Husband George Cordero
Sibling Not Available
Children 5

Helen Cordero Net Worth

Her net worth has been growing significantly in 2023-2024. So, how much is Helen Cordero worth at the age of 79 years old? Helen Cordero’s income source is mostly from being a successful . She is from Mexico. We have estimated Helen Cordero's net worth, money, salary, income, and assets.

Net Worth in 2024 $1 Million - $5 Million
Salary in 2024 Under Review
Net Worth in 2023 Pending
Salary in 2023 Under Review
House Not Available
Cars Not Available
Source of Income

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Timeline

1915

Helen Cordero (June 15, 1915 – July 24, 1994) was a Cochiti Pueblo potter from Cochiti, New Mexico.

She was renowned for her storyteller pottery figurines, a motif she invented, based upon the traditional "singing mother" motif.

1950

She first learned to create leatherwork, then in the 1950s started creating pottery birds and animals that her husband painted.

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.

Cordero "followed a traditional way of life including digging her own clay and preparing her own pigments".

She used three types of clay, all sourced near Cochiti Pueblo, and clay and plant materials for paint.

Over time, Helen's finish became more refined, and she made her children separately instead of from the primary piece of clay allowing for her to vary their placement around the storyteller.

As Helen's work progressed, she ultimately developed the trademark face for which her dolls are now known.

Cordero had a personal connection to her work, "They're my little people. I talk to them and they're singing."

This reflects the Pueblo belief that clay is living substance, and that the figurines are like living being.

1964

The Cochiti women potters made figurines of women with children known as "Singing Mother" or Madonna, Cordero transformed this form into her Storyteller design in 1964.

According to one account, she was commissioned by the Anglo designer and collector Alexander Girard to create the first Storyteller.

After 1964, her family members joined her in making Storyteller figurines.

She described her process:"'work outdoors in warm weather and at her kitchen table in the winter. Her husband and son drove one hundred miles to bring home the cedar wood she used to fire her pieces ... on an open iron grate behind her house.'"Her Storyteller design became popular with other pottery-makers, who have created variations, including animal storytellers.

1981

Yet, in a 1981 article, Cordero said she created the first Storyteller on her own in 1964.

"I made some more of my Storytellers with lots of children climbing on him to listen, then I took them up to the Santo Domingo Feast Day" where Alexander Girard bought them.

Alexander Girard was a patron who purchased her early work.

Not long after Helen started her figurines, Gerard asked her to increase her yield and the size of her figures.

This request ultimately terminated in a 250-piece Nativity set.

It is suggested that Gerard also proposed Helen should fashion a larger "Singing Mother" figure.

Helen mulled over the idea, and thought of her grandfather, Santiago Quintana, who she remembered as a great storyteller.

Helen's grandfather would in part inspire her first Storyteller, a male figure surrounded by five grandchildren.

1990

By the 1990s, over 200 potters were making Storyteller figures for a booming market.

To distinguish her work and to fulfill the expectations of some collectors, Helen began signing her works.

After the success of the Storyteller, Helen eventually drew more from her experiences and went on to develop other types including, drummers, singing mothers, Pueblo father, and Hopi maiden.

Cordero was a lifelong resident of Cochiti Pueblo.

She married Fred Cordero, an artist, drum-maker, and governor of Cochiti Pueblo, and they had four children.

Cordero's work is found in the Museum of International Folk Art and the New Mexico Museum of Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Museum of Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, DC, the Heard Museum in Phoenix, the Bandelier National Monument museum in Los Alamos Co., New Mexico and the Brooklyn Museum.