Pottery by American Indian Women: The Legacy of Generations

American Indian pottery in the twentieth century is part of an age-old tradition, reflecting a heritage of powerful social, religious, and material values. Traditionally a women's art, modern American Indian women use it even now to express themselves through new and original designs. This book explores the history of American Indian pottery, the materials and methods of its construction, and the evolution of its eloquent forms and ornamentation.The author -- herself a potter with close ties to the century's most important clay artists -- gives in-depth personal introductions to three generations of American Indian potters: the craft's six well-known matriarchs, their biological descendants who have maintained and expanded the tradition, and their modern-day avant-garde followers -- craftswomen who work with traditional methods but not in traditional styles, and who continue to live in accordance with their cultural heritage.The work of these twenty-nine women is presented in specially commissioned photographs, with detailed explanations of their themes, techniques, and meanings. Archival photographs of the potters at work provide further insight.