Genuine Native American pottery is made by hand without the aid of a potter's wheel. While buying authentic pottery would be more expensive and some types more difficult to find, you can purchase gorgeous pieces from numerous brick and mortar companies, as well as online. However, if you have time to check around, you will probably find pottery that would work with your southwest decor with beauty and unique authenticity.
We wanted to provide you with information about six types of pottery that you might consider for your Southwest decor.
1. Hand-Coiled - This type of pottery was made with a very interesting method called coil and pinch. The base of the pottery piece began as a slab of clay, on which coils were added to create strength and durability. After the first coiled row, excess clay was trimmed and the outside edge formed. Row-by-row, the pottery piece was constructed, ending up as a gorgeous piece of Native American art. Typically, smaller pieces of pottery have 3/8 to 1-inch coils while the larger pieces were made with coils of 3/4 to 1 1/2-inches.
2. Hopi - Hopi Indians are known for making gorgeous pottery creations, also called Pueblo Pottery. Prior to being fired, the cream-colored clay was polished and then painted using dyes made from minerals and vegetables. The creator then added a design like a Pueblo village, kiva ladder, parrot, lightening or road runner depending on personal choice. Once fired outside, the pottery was packed in dry sheep manure. To compliment the Southwest decor, Hopi pottery is a favorite.
3. Horsehair Pottery - This type of pottery is another option that looks amazing in a home with Southwest decor. This pottery was created by Native American Navajo Indians, but also, many other tribes. Added to the surface of the pottery are strands of hair taken from a horse's mane and tail. This design is unlike any other and because of the technique: each pottery piece comes out as a one-of-a-kind creation.
4. Wedding Vase - Although pottery such as this was initially made for marriage ceremonies, this makes a great addition to a home with Southwest decor. The vase is rustic yet elegant. Designed with two spouts, one for the bride and the other for the groom, the spouts come together in one vase symbolizing two people becoming one.
5. Navajo - Another one of the Native American Indian tribes known for creating and designing pottery are the Navajos. In fact, pottery was a vital part of existence of these people. Using a pit for firing and an open fire, the pottery pieces were fired one at a time for hours. Prior to the pottery cooling, hot melted pinion tree pitch was carefully applied. Interestingly, this type of pottery was usually not decorated because its use was utilitarian, for holding water, cooking, and dishes for eating. However, some of the newer pieces reflect southwest decor with traditional symbols of the Navajo people.
6. Casas Grandes - This type of southwest decor pottery known as Mata Ortiz Pottery, is created using natural clay from the mountains near the Mexican village of Mata Ortiz. The design and color of this rustic pottery was done with natural pigments made of roots and minerals, applied using human hair brushes. Each piece of pottery was made by skilled artisans, all by hand.
Get "The Rustic Southwest Decorating Guide" a popular free download with room by room tips and ideas to help you. You can also get discount coupons and special offers on southwest decor from Mission Del Rey. http://www.missiondelrey.com