What is Pueblo Pottery?

First, a caveat.  What follows is my understanding of traditional pueblo pottery methods based on classes taught by Clarence Cruz, an Ohkay Owingeh potter, and on reading some of the historical records.  Any errors in this brief overview of my experience and reading are entirely mine.

Pueblo pottery is pottery made by Native Americans from the Pueblos of the Southwest, which are located predominantly in New Mexico.  Traditionally made pots, such as the pots and processes I describe here, use natural materials (no store-bought clay or commercial glazes) and are fired in a fire not in a kiln.  The materials and designs have been dated back to the early years A.D. or C.E., if you prefer that dating identifier.  The people of what is now the southwestern United States have been making pottery for over 2000 years.

The collector, or would-be collector, should talk with potters to learn move about their specific techniques.  The most well-known opportunity for buyers to meet and talk with the artists is the Southwestern Association of Indian Arts (SWAIA) Santa Fe Indian Market. Additionally, many of the Pueblos have markets during important feast days.  Many of the feast days are published on the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center web site under the tab for the 19 Pueblos.