Cochiti bird still bank c. 1890 - 1900

This Cochiti bird still bank was made anonymously in the Cochiti Pueblo, New Mexico. These charming, whimsical figures have become synonymous with the cultural identity and artistic expression of the Cochiti people, a Native American tribe with a rich history dating back centuries. The uncredited artist created not just a functional object, but an emblem of cultural resilience and continuity. Historically, the making and selling of pottery has been a significant form of economic self-determination for Indigenous communities, particularly for women. This bird bank, with its coin slot, speaks to a complex interplay of tradition, cultural adaptation, and economic survival. Consider how such an object might have served as a form of cultural ambassadorship, carrying stories and values from the Cochiti Pueblo into the wider world, subtly challenging dominant narratives and asserting Indigenous presence. It’s a reminder of the complex, interwoven histories embedded in even the simplest of objects.