Pottery Owl
Acoma Pueblo
clay, pigment
4.75” high x 5” wide x 4” deep
The pottery of Acoma is strongly recognized for fluted rims, thin walls and geometric design. Potters of the pueblo implement similar techniques found in the local region, from collecting of the clay material from limited sources, forming the vessel for specific use, decorating with patterns and design by hand, to firing the pot at high temperature.
These pots were traditionally hand-coiled, with hand-mixed clay and custom slip. Traditional designs include rainbow bands, parrots, and deer; or a black and brown motif with geometric pattern and impressively accurate fine lines. Some potters have become well known for their pottery figures such as owls and turtles.
Orange and black are traditional colors, however, current artists have incorporated new, bright and vibrant colors as generations have passed. Hatching patterns symbolize rain, while lightning, thunder clouds and mountains are also represented. The influences of the cycle of life, water and sky are frequently used. New designs have become more detailed to catch the eye.
