Pottery
mayan ceramics
1-A-O
Although the Maya are known for creating a multitude of art, they are best known for for their pottery. Pottery became a ceramic canvas for the Maya to tell stories. However, the ceramics were not just created for looks. They were used for a plethora of daily activities, such as storage of food and beverages. There were three main types of ceramics used in daily life: bowls, plates, and cylinders. They were often monochrome, meaning that only one type of mineral slip was used. -C.Boettcher
Spanish jugs
1-A-O
Spanish ceramics date back to thousands of years ago. Early Spanish wares were not glazed, but burnished and then painted. The potter’s wheel was unknown, so pieces were shaped by molding, coiling and other methods. After the Spanish Invasion and Conquest, native traditions were nearly wiped out and European techniques were introduced. -C. Boettcher
Roman Pottery 2-A-O
Pottery was produced in enormous quantities in ancient Rome, mostly for utilitarian purposes. It is found all over the former Roman Empire and beyond. M Caldera
Mortar and Pestle
1-A-I
Mortar and Pestles were often used in the kitchen. They have been used since ancient times, in several different countries. Used for the preparation of ingredients and substances by crushing and grinding them to a fine powder or paste. The Mortar is the bowl. The Pestle is a heavy club-shaped object. Mortars and Pestles are still being used for cooking, they are also associated with the profession of pharmaceuticals. -C. Boettcher
Native American Bowls
6-B-O
Most pottery done by the Native Americans are for cooking and eating. There is however history of it being an art form for them. It would make sense, all of the bowls have beautiful designs and patterns depicting their stories, interests, and sometimes possibly just doodles. They are all made our of clay material that has been hardened from heat made by fires. Many tribes had oven like areas in rocks where they would harden their pottery or bake their foods. They were some pretty smart and handy people! - I. Trent
Blue and White Vase
1-A-O
Pictured is a blue and white vase. The method for making these patterns and colors is thought to have evolved in what is now known as present-day Iraq. It was then adopted by the Chinese in the 14th century, according to Wikipedia. It is unknown when, where, or by whom this particular vase was made. -Z. McMurry
Pueblo POttery
3-A-I
The Pueblo Indians were given their name from the houses and settlements they created which were pueblo's. This culture originated near New Mexico and what made their pottery distinct was the geometric shapes they incorporated into their art. -H. McEwen
New mexico pottery
5-A-O
Native American pueblo pottery from New Mexico. These pots were used for cooking mainly. The pueblo people were largely dry farmers and corn would have been a main staple food. - J. Manderscheid
Salado Polychrome Bowl, circa 1300 A.D.
1-A-O
Pictured is a Salado Polychrome bowl, dated at 1300 A.D. Salado Polychrome, also known as Roosevelt Redware, is, according to the American Southwest Museum, "...a pottery ware that was widespread throughout the Southwest during the late 13th century and well into the 15th century." There are many different kinds of Salado Polychrome, including Gila, Tonto, Cliff, Nine mile, Phoenix, Dinwiddie, and Los Muertos. - Z. McMurry
More facts are available here: http://swvirtualmuseum.nau.edu/wp/index.php/artifacts/pottery/roosevelt-red-ware/ AND http://swvirtualmuseum.nau.edu/docs/factsheets/Polychrome_Factsheet_Revised2014.pdf
Wine Jar
6-B-I
Dating back to around 6000 B.C., people were making and using jugs similar to this to ferment grapes for wine. Some were even decorated on the outside with little bumps in patterns to symbolize grapes, so people would know what was in it. This one was decorated differently, and very possibly could have been used for other liquids and storage of things, but the shape and size is so similar, it is the best reasoning. Go ahead and ask Mr. Olsen about the story behind it if you can. He is sure to have something to tell you! - I. Trent
Pottery and ceramics
Located in East Building - Contact Mr. Olsen for access
Pottery and ceramics have been made since 24,000 B.C. after humans realized that clay could be mixed with water, shaped, and then hardened by a process called firing. Pottery has been in forms of human and animal figurines, pots, bowls, utensils, vases and so many more things. Cultures of all kinds from all over the world have used pottery on some way, shape, or form. Some have specialized purposes, others are widely religious. Even today's metals and glass wouldn't have been discovered if pottery was never used. Glass was believed to be discovered after overheating of kilns created the glossy outside on jars. Even the melting of metal came from the idea of extreme heat in the kilns. Pottery and ceramics have come a long way. There is plenty to enjoy seeing here. - I. Trent