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The Art of Making Pottery

First the clay is dug from the ground and pulverized by grinding on a metate. Then it is moistened and temper is worked into the clay until it reaches the proper balance of elasticity and strength to hold a shape.

Point to the image to see the numbers.
1. A “pancake” of clay is placed over an anvil and paddled to start the vessel base.

2. A heavy rope of clay is added to the rim. It is then thinned and shaped by paddling the exterior against an anvil held inside the vessel.

3. The air-dried bowl is covered with a thin clay slip. After the slip dries, the surface is burnished by stone polishing. It is then ready for firing.

4. After firing, the mesquite gum design is applied. The piece is fired briefly a second time to set the color, producing the final product.

View the finished pot in 3-D

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