Historic Cochiti pottery is unusual and collectible due to the fanciful three-dimensional shapes and figures that have been created at Cochiti Pueblo since the late 1870s. Some of the most recognizable early Cochiti wares are canteens: fat vessels with a narrow neck and handles, decorated with geometric and floral designs. Other early Cochiti pottery forms include “opera singers,” standing figures with large open mouths, as if singing, with painted facial features and geometrically-patterned vests, shoes, and other accouterments. All Cochiti figurines were highly popular with tourists, which encouraged the Cochiti potters to continue producing and advancing this whimsical art form.
Native American Pottery: How to Identify and Price Cochiti and Tesuque Pueblo Pottery (Part 1)
Native American Pottery: How to Identify and Price Cochiti and Tesuque Pueblo Figurines (Part 2)
How to Handle Antique Native American Indian Art and Artifacts