Singing Maiden

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: Helen Cordero
Date: ca. 1984
Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum
/
Luce Foundation Center
/
3rd Floor
/
26B
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: plant material
clay
Mediums Description: fired clay, with slip and beeweed
Classifications: Decorative Arts
Subjects: 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).