Flower Garden Children's Book

Pottery making is a tradition that has been handed down through generations of Native Americans in the Southwestern region of the United States. While pottery originated in prehistoric periods of history, the process continues in present day to meet both utilitarian needs and artistic endeavors.

Many factors influence the pottery making tradition. As early nomadic people experienced lifestyle changes, the needs and requirements of those people also evolved. A sedentary lifestyle arose which demanded the development of an agricultural society. Pottery assured people of a constant supply of water and food storage capabilities. Inter-tribal marriages also affected Pueblo pottery. While the basics of pottery making are common to most Native Americans, all tribes have distinctive features that separate their work from that of others. The forms, painted designs and colors differentiate the makers and tribes. Many times as inter-tribal marriages took place, a potter would blend the elements of various regions. Sometimes, this blending makes identification of a piece difficult, but not impossible.

Southwestern Pueblo pottery has undergone and has survived many foreign influences. Designs, styles and forms that were utilized by early potters have been affected by the migratory patterns of nomadic peoples. Ideas and objects were always traded amongst tribes. New ideas spread constantly as people moved around on trade routes. Not only were Pueblo potters influenced by other Native Americans, but they were also influenced by the arrival of the Spanish in the 1500's. The Spanish brought with them porcelain jars that incorporated new forms, colors and designs. New food stuffs such as wheat helped develop the essential dough bowl form. In addition, metal pots and pans may have helped to eliminate some traditional forms of pottery. New colors and designs were introduced by way of imported fabrics from Spain. These designs included pomegranates, flowers and parrots. Fabrics were also imported from India and included floral motifs and flowers on vines.

While the arrival of the Spanish greatly affected Native American pottery, the railroads of the late 1800's brought a flood of tourists to the American Southwest. Along with these tourists came hotels, trading posts and the Fred Harvey Company. Tourists wanted reminders of their visit to the Southwest and so a souvenirs trade was created. Larger traditional and authentic pots gave way to small items such as basket pots, jars, vases, figures and decorative items. Trading posts were established where Native Americans could sell their goods and buy the necessities of life. The agricultural, self-sufficient lifestyle of the Native American was changing significantly at this point. They became dependent on trading posts for their food and tourists for their income. The changes in Pueblo pottery seemed to parallel the changes that the potters themselves were experiencing in everyday life. Pueblo pottery making continues to evolve, just as the lifestyle of present day Southwestern Native Americans evolves and changes with current society and ideas.

Eric and Lynda Sermon have been collectors and dealers in tribal and ethnic arts for the past 30 years. We offer a wide variety of tribal arts on our website. We have co-curated an exhibit on Navajo silversmithing and have lectured on collecting Native American pottery. We can be contacted through our website at the following address: