Well Known Native American Pottery

The distinctive look of Native American pottery is known around the world. Traditionally, formed using the coil method, each piece of pottery is carefully built from long strands of clay. The Native American artist works to join and then smooth each coil as it is added. By the time the pot is finished, it is indistinguishable from one that was thrown on the wheel. The patience and expertise needed to produce Indian pottery are apparent in its appearance.

While every Native American tribe produced coil pottery, the most famous is that produced by the Southwest Indians. Navajo, Acoma, and Hopi pottery is probably the most easily recognized. To help account for the distinctive look this pottery offers, geometric or stylized designs are used. A most important fact about Native America pottery is that it is traditionally made without using a kiln. The pots will be placed in a pit and then a thick layer of sticks and brush are placed over the pit. After the fire is ignited, the pottery will harden just as if it had been fired in a kiln. After firing, the burnished pottery is often polished with a smooth river stone.

Native American pottery can be decorated with bold and beautiful designs. With a variety of hand tools, some of the designs are etched right into the wet clay. The patterns can vary from geometric patterns to patterns of animals and birds. Represented on the pottery are things such as eagles, turtles and cattle. On some pieces of pottery, floral patterns are found as well.

Horsehair is a very unique and interesting form of Indian pottery. To make this style, horsehair, feathers, seeds, grass stems, and other natural items are placed on the pot when it is still hot. Almost abstract designs are formed in this way, and pots where red clay has been used are especially attractive. Legend has it that the long hair of a native potter brushed by accident against a hot piece of pottery. It became a style of its own because the resultant design was so pleasing.

In almost any home, Native American pottery can make an artistic and decorating statement. The earthy color tones will offer a unique touch and theme. A home decorated in the Southwest style is the perfect spot for this type of pottery. A ranch house, cabin or any rustic dwelling, can home Indian pottery with great success. It is easy to bring a bit of the culture of the first Americans into your home with a piece of this lovely pottery.


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Author, Craig Chambers, offers more about Native American Pottery on his website. You can also get his monthly newsletter, online discounts and download his popular free ebook from http://www.missiondelrey.com.