Pueblo Storytellers

The first Pueblo storyteller was made by Helen Cordero of Cochiti Pueblo in 1964. It was in honor of her grandfather Santiago Quintana. Oral tradition is prevalent in Pueblo life with the Elders telling stories and teaching the young ones values and beliefs. Storytellers can come in both male and female versions. (Females are also called Singing Mothers). They usually have their mouths open and are covered with children. They can also come in the form of animals covered with babies and Koshare Clowns. Since Helen's original storyteller, the art form has spread throughout different pueblos including Acoma, Jemez and of course Cochiti.