Anasazi Pottery

It’s artifact of the week, and today we are showcasing our display of Anasazi pottery. The Anasazi occupied the four-quarters region of the United States from approximately 100-1600 A.D. (Britannica, "Ancestral Pueblo culture”). The Anasazi, or Ancestral Pueblo people, were members of a large cultural network that stretched across the southwest (Britannica, "Ancestral Pueblo culture”). Largely, the Ancestral Pueblo are recognized for their distinct architectural styles. Beginning in 900 A.D., the Anasazi started constructing earthen structures along cliffs and other outcroppings (Britannica, "Ancestral Pueblo culture”). Structures ranged from single-family pit homes to larger, multi-family pueblos (Britannica, "Ancestral Pueblo culture”). Due to the arid climate, many of the structures are still erected today and are recognized as National Parks and/or World Heritage sites (Britannica, "Ancestral Pueblo culture”).

The Ancestral Pueblo people are also recognized for their distinctive pottery techniques. Vessels were made with a coil-and-scrape technique using local clays (earthenware) (Blinman 14). During this process, artisans form long coils of clay and then stack them together to form a vessel. The clay would then be smoothed, glazed, and fired (Blinman 14-22). Largely, the Anasazi used red, white, and grey slips to finish their vessels (Blinman 14). Slips were often decorative and had geometric and broad-lined designs. To see these beautiful vessels in person, make sure to stop by the Museum of Native American History!

Works Cited

Blinman, Eric. "Anasazi pottery." Expedition 35.1 (1993): 14-22.

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Ancestral Pueblo culture". Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Aug. 2021, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ancestral-Pueblo-culture. Accessed 26 April 2023.

Credit to Liley Bozard and Olivia Lee