Native American Pottery
Collecting Native American pottery can be both rewarding and exciting. There are so many different styles and colors to choose from. Whether you’re an expert collector or a novice buyer, the possibilities are endless. By learning beforehand what types of pottery are available, you can choose quality pieces to compliment your home décor.
One of the first things you’ll want to consider when selecting a piece is the type of clay used. Authentic Native American pottery will be made from natural clay. The most common types of clay used in pottery construction are: red, white, and yellow. Generally the pottery makers of a tribe will all use the same type of clay. Basically whatever kind of clay is available locally will be used to create the pieces. The type of clay used can also have an affect on the finished appearance of a piece.
Although most Native American pottery pieces will be decorated with natural paint colors, occasionally the artist may desire to use a bit of commercial paint to add a bit of flair. Usually if you find pottery that has extremely bright colors, chances are it is commercial brand paint.
Most Native American pottery artists will use an open kiln to bake their pieces, making them more susceptible to breakage. The higher the temperature used to bake the pottery, the stronger it becomes. An open kiln cannot provide the high temperatures produced by a commercial oven. When purchasing pottery that has been finished in an open kiln, be sure extra care is taken when transporting your pieces.
Many collectors of Native American pottery will only purchase pieces that have a signature on the bottom. While a good portion of the artists choose to sign their work, lack of a signature does not necessarily mean the pot is of lesser value. If you are curious about the history of a piece, many times the seller can provide information about the artist or tribe.
Please send any comments directly to the author, Joseph Paige.