Singing Maiden

Copied Helen Cordero, Singing Maiden, ca. 1984, fired clay, with slip and beeweed, 10 x 5 5⁄8 x 7 1⁄4 in. (25.4 x 14.3 x 18.4 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak and museum purchase made possible by John B. Turner, 1997.124.149

Artwork Details

Title
Singing Maiden
Artist
Date
ca. 1984
Location
Dimensions
10 x 5 5⁄8 x 7 1⁄4 in. (25.4 x 14.3 x 18.4 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak and museum purchase made possible by John B. Turner
Mediums
Mediums Description
fired clay, with slip and beeweed
Classifications
Keywords
  • Figure group — female and child
  • Performing arts — music — voice
Object Number
1997.124.149
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1997.124.149

Artwork Description

Helen Cordero’s figures always have closed eyes and open mouths, as if they are singing traditional Cochiti songs. She carved small figures of children climbing around the storytellers, clinging to their clothing and listening intently to show the importance of passing down Cochiti customs to the next generation (Chuck and Jan Rosenak, Museum of American Folk Art Encyclopedia, 1990).