Cochiti

Cochiti is a Keresan-speaking Pueblo located 55 miles north of Albuquerque. Cochiti artists and craftsmen work in many forms, but they are best known for superbly crafted drums and Storyteller figures. Prized by musicians for their superior quality and tone, Cochiti drums are handcrafted from hollowed tree trunks, usually aspen, and hand-cured leather hides. Cochiti is also the birthplace of Storyteller pottery, colorful clay figures pioneered in 1964 by artist Helen Cordero. This art form features a seated man or woman surrounded by children and is very popular with Native arts collectors. Cochiti artists also create high-quality jewelry, pottery and painting. The Pueblo places premium importance on preserving traditions and cultural practices and has developed many programs to educate the younger generation in their language, arts and culture.