Authentic Antique Maricopa Hand Coiled Functional Native American Pottery

This large antique black and brown Maricopa pot was created around the turn of the century, so it is approximately 100 years old! Following a time honored tradition, this pottery was hand coiled and hand painted. The Maricopa pueblo produces a distinct type of pottery that reflects the natural materials available to it. Each piece is hand coiled, scraped, sanded, painted (with mineral or vegetable pigments) and finally pit fired outside. Legends take pottery making back to the dawn of creation. Some perceive the world in the beginning as being first soft, like moistened clay. In a sense, this land was molded, shaped by wind, water and the forces of nature. Clay is said to come from the "body of Mother Earth" and to be "alive." Clay breathes. Different clays have different natural feelings, qualities and strengths. The chips and fine line cracks only enhance the authenticity of this functional work of antique art. This pot is about 12-1/2" tall, 50" in circumference and 9-1/2" wide at the mouth. You'll receive the pot in the photos below. Maricopa pottery is again in danger of disappearing as a living cultural art form, so this antique pot is all the more rare. Don't miss this unique opportunity to own a historical treasure.

We ask that this pottery be received in a good way.

The Pueblo villages like the Maricopa, who call themselves Pipatsje, 'people,' produce fine pottery decorated with new and ancient motifs. Each village has distinctive designs, new styles are created, and rarely are two pots alike. This unique hand painted, hand coiled pot is sure to be a valued treasure to hand down for many generations.

Building the pot starts as coils spiral upward, one above the other. The potter squeezes them between her thumbs and fingers. This thins the coils to the thickness of the finished pot. The cracks between the coils are smoothed out as she turns the pot. As the walls rise, the potter smooths them and slopes them inward and outward.

We understand the true value and nature of hand crafted Indian art. And, we recognize it's important to know that the artist is truly a member of a Native American tribe. So, to ensure you that this is the real deal, a Certificate of Authenticity has been included with this item.

CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC