The southern central Mexican state of Oaxaca is the home to the Zapotec and Mixtec, indigenous cultures whose artisans have both preserved ancient traditions and have developed vibrant new artforms. Grey plumbate wares have been known since Precolumbian times, and from this ancient tradition developed a prominent form of art known as barro negro, or Oaxacan black pottery. … [Read more...] about Oaxacan Black Pottery: Researched by Emma Schupbach
This vessel is an excellent example of the skilled art pottery made by the artisans of San Juan de Oriente, Nicaragua. These vessels strongly illustrate the Mestizo (mixed European and indigenous) heritage of the region; the vessels are made using traditional terra cotta clays, but formed using the imported Spanish method of throwing the vessel on a potter’s wheel. The vessels … [Read more...] about Sgraffito Vessel with Four Swimming Turtles: Researched and Reproduced by Katelynn McGuire
When the Mogollon cultures of the American Southwest region formed between 200 and 400 CE, their early ceramics were simple, with little to no design. Around 800 CE, the Mogollon began producing pottery with geometric patterns, likely as a result of trade with and influences from the neighboring Hisatsinom (also known as the Anasazi) culture, and by 900 CE, the subculture of … [Read more...] about Mimbres Black-on-White Painted Bowl: Researched and Conserved by Aimee Westrich
The Lopsided Undecorated Ceramic Bowl and the Wobbly Ceramic Water Bottle were made by the Native American Mississippian cultures, who are well-known for their ceramic craftsmanship. Such vessels were made from local clays mixed with ground shell, which made the vessels stronger and more durable. As shown by the finger marks and scrapes visible on the interior of these … [Read more...] about Mississippian Ceramic Vessels: Researched and Conserved by Alice Heywood
This Algerian pouring vessel was created and decorated in the tradition of the Kabyle-Berber culture, and it was intended for use in the traditional storage and serving of drinking liquids. Like other Algerian pottery, the vessel was hand-thrown in red terracotta clay and then decorated with colored mineral slips using brushes of goat hair set into wet clay … [Read more...] about Algerian Pouring Vessel: Researched, Conserved, and Reconstructed by Sabrina Osment