Pueblo Pottery of the Southwest: - Buying Pueblo Pottery

Finding Authentic Pueblo Pottery

How to Buy Pueblo Pottery

Realizing all that is involved in creating a piece of pottery will increase your appreciation and help you in choosing a piece of pottery. Following are Indian Arts & Crafts Association guidelines to help you choose pottery:

• Examine the shape of the pot. - Is it balanced and pleasing? Handmade pottery is not exactly even. However, it should be evenly thick or thin. Do the walls or base of the pot feel overly heavy or light? Compare it with the other pieces.
• Examine the Finish – Is it well polished, shining, smooth? Are there any tiny blisters or lumps visible on the surface?? Is the rim smooth? Can you feel the coils on the inside?
• Examine the Design - Does the design fit and enhance the shape of the pot? Is it carefully applied? Is it artistic?
• Check for the Signature - Signatures are important because they indicate the pride and prestige of their creator. But, the basic criteria should be your reaction to the piece. Some artists do not sign their pottery.
• Is it Authentic Handmade? – Decorated greenware (ceramic porcelain) and white ware (plaster of paris type product) are not acceptable as traditional handmade Indian pottery. They are pots thrown on a potters wheel or molded (slip-cast). Lightness I weight, exactness in shape, a shiny glaze and a high thin ringing sound when thumped with your finger are features of these types of pottery. (Authentic Indian pottery should have a clear ring when thumped gently with the finger.) Prices are generally lower than traditionally made Indian pottery for greenware , white ware and slip-cast items.
• Ensure Authenticity – To assure yourself of a quality product, get help from a reputable dealer and read as much as possible on the subject. When you purchase one of these coveted pieces of American Indian art, either from the artist or a reputable dealer, choose a piece of pottery which you love.

Caring for Your Pueblo Pottery

Modern Pueblo pottery is generally fired for beauty rather than endurance. Water will mar the surface and, if allowed to stand in an unprotected vessel of this type, may actually crumble it. To use as a container for flowers, etc. insert a glass container to hold the water.

Information and above article courtesy: Elizabeth Buchanan for the Indian Arts and Crafts Association