Hand Made Tarahumara Indian Pottery.

This impressive Tarahumara pottery is a prime example of the craftmanship and style of the region. It comes from the Tarahumara settlements in Northern Mexico and has survived many years in an undisturbed collection. We estimate it is over 40 years old. It has been given a dark even finish and is bound with genuine goat hide. Hand coiled without the use of a potter's wheel, this remarkable piece of pottery is a true one of a kind. The individual coils can just be resolved in the right light. It is in excellent condition, not a single chip or crack that wasn't there right after firing, astonishing for this type of pottery considering its age. Do not handle this pot with the opening as it could lead to the development of cracks. This is a beautiful piece of art meant to be treasured and will be an amazing addition to any collection. It is 10" tall, 10" wide and has a 32" circumference. And, it will come with the circular iron pot stand it is on display with in the photos.

The Tarahumara Indians live in the rugged Sierra Madre Occidental of Northern Mexico. They are native to the region like the American Indians of the United States and have lived in the area for over three thousand years. The rough and isolated terrain has kept them mostly independent of western influences through the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century to today. They refer to themselves as the Rarmuri, the runners, as they pride themselves on their ability to quickly move through the canyons and mountains on foot. The Tarahumara live in small settlements, usually made up of cabins and shacks at an altitude of around 7,000 to 9,000 feet. Reaching one settlement from another requires long difficult hikes that ascend and drop steeply through rough, isolated canyons. Running up and down the rocky trails is an integral part of Tarahumara culture as a means of transportation, communication, and sport. Their pottery is made by hand from materials collected locally, fired with traditional methods, and bound in goat hide sinew.