The most fascinating and ill-used pottery is the traditional or fetish pot in blue. Traditional bear fetishes are attached to it, with feathers. Inside will be fetishes.
Tradition tells us that when a member of the family is off fighting a war, a special blessed fetish pot will sit by the door. As people go in and out, they sprinkle a bit of corn pollen or corn meal into the pot and say a prayer for the safety of the loved one in danger.
A Life-Long Passion
At first, the magnificent artistry of the traditional Southwestern Native American may be a bit alien to someone who hails from a different world. For those of us who have discovered the magnificence of the art, it becomes a life-long passion. If you think you ‘feel’ something when you handle a piece, don’t be surprised. Don’t ask for an explanation. That’s just the way it is.
I never buy turquoise jewelry from catalogues. It may say ‘Native American,’ but it mass-produced. You may have someone who is Navajo holding the machine that stamps out the molds or something. The only exceptions are when a listing is very specific about things like how many pieces of an item are being produced.
Article comments
1 - Emil
Yes! Maria Martinez has a great history of pottery making. The San Ildefonso Pueblo has manny great potters.
2 - Sheilah Link
Found your article very helpful and read it even though it was not quite what I was looking for. It was well written and an easy read. Thank you.
3 - Diana
I've found that a great place to buy quality native american art pieces, whether it be pottery, jewelry, rugs, or other crafts, is from a store in Albuquerque, New Mexico called Palms Trading Company. It is a family owned business that sells great products at great prices. To view some of the various items the store sells, go to their website. The store sells authentic pieces, as artists come in daily to trade for other pieces or to sell their work. Check it out-you won't be disappointed.
4 - Swarovski Crystals
Yeah thats great article indeed.I like the history of Pottery making.