Rustic 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. This is ignited, and the resulting fire will harden the pottery just as if it had been in kiln. Often the pots are burnished, or polished, after firing with a smooth river stone.

Native American pottery can be decorated with bold and beautiful designs. Some of the designs are etched right into the wet clay with a variety of hand tools. The patterns can be the geometric ones associated with Southwest Indians or stylized animals or birds. Eagles, turtles, and cattle can all be represented on Indian pottery. Floral patterns are found on some pots 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 earth tones provide a natural touch and theme. A home decorated in the Southwest style is the perfect spot for this type of pottery. Indian pottery will also go well in a ranch house or cabin, or any rustic setting. Just by adding a unique piece of this pottery to your decor, it will add a bit of Native American culture to your home.