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Historic Traditions

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The Arizona State Museum’s ethnographic pottery collections document the many trends and movements in the history of Southwest Indian pottery. As these vessels demonstrate, the pottery of Southwest Indian people is grounded in the ancestral ceramic arts shown in the Prehistoric Traditions case.

These pottery traditions have been shaped through the recent centuries by internal and external forces. As different needs arose, styles were modified. Individual artists injected new interpretations. Different clay beds were discovered and depleted. Trade partners, both Native and non-Indian, asserted their preferences. Sources of inspiration expanded to encompass the entire world.

As we enter the 21st century, some pottery-making traditions remain vital and intimately integrated into their respective societies. Others persist only through the efforts of a few artists. Among some groups the art of hand-built pottery has been a victim of modern technologies and lifestyles, and awaits revival.

It is hoped the museum can continue to play a role in keeping this ancient art form alive.

View pots from this section in 3-D

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Image credits:
Display of historic pottery (2002) - UA staff
Side view of display of historic pots (2002) - UA staff