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Indian pottery -- North America Books

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Carl E. (Carl Eugen) Guthe

Pueblo pottery making: a study at the village of San Ildefonso

"Pueblo Pottery Making: A Study at the Village of San Ildefonso" by Carl E. Guthe is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work meticulously details the traditional methods of pottery making among the Pueblo Indians of San Ildefonso, New Mexico, exploring the materials, techniques, and cultural significance surrounding this craft. The book offers valuable insights into the artistry behind pottery and its integral place in the Pueblo community. The beginning of the book introduces the village of San Ildefonso, highlighting its historical and cultural context as a site of significant pottery-making tradition. Guthe explains his motivations for conducting this study, emphasizing the exceptional skills of local potters and the continuous evolution of their craft. The introduction sets the stage for a comprehensive examination of the pottery-making process, outlining the raw materials, tools used, and the intricate techniques employed by the Pueblo women. It also hints at the interplay of traditional practices and modern influences in the ongoing development of Pueblo pottery.

James Stevenson

Illustrated Catalogue of the Collections Obtained from the Indians of New Mexico And Arizona in 1879
 Second Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1880-81, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1883, pages 307-428

"Illustrated Catalogue of the Collections Obtained from the Indians of New Mexico and Arizona in 1879" by James Stevenson is a historical account likely written in the late 19th century. This work serves as an extensive catalogue detailing the findings from ethnological and archaeological explorations of various Pueblo tribes, specifically highlighting their pottery, tools, and domestic items. The catalogue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the material culture of the Indigenous peoples of the Southwestern United States during this period. At the start of the catalogue, Stevenson outlines the purpose of his work and provides insights into the collections obtained during expeditions in 1879, focusing especially on the contributions of team members and the significance of the collected artifacts. He introduces the various categories of items found, such as pottery, tools, and ceremonial objects, emphasizing the variety and craftsmanship present in each piece. Through detailed descriptions, the opening portion sets the stage for understanding the cultural heritage of the tribes studied, reflecting the blend of ancient traditions and contemporary practices observable in their artifacts.

William Henry Holmes

Pottery of the ancient Pueblos. (1886 N 04 / 1882-1883 (pages 257-360))

"POTTERY OF THE ANCIENT PUEBLOS" by William H. Holmes is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The work is an in-depth study of the pottery created by ancient Pueblo peoples, focusing on its classification, characteristics, and cultural significance. The book likely serves as an important resource for understanding the technological and artistic advancements of these communities through their unique ceramic art. The opening of this book introduces the reader to the foundational aspects of the pottery of the ancient Pueblos, explaining the context of its study as part of a larger ethnological endeavor. Holmes discusses the challenges faced in categorizing various pottery types while emphasizing the continuity of the ceramic tradition among these peoples. He outlines the geographical distribution of the Pueblos and provides an overview of their artistic expressions, highlighting the diverse construction techniques, surface finishes, materials, and decorative motifs used in their pottery. The initial chapters set the stage for a comprehensive examination of this cultural artifact, reflecting both an appreciation of its beauty and an analytical approach to its origins and functionality.

A. L. (Alfred Louis) Kroeber

Mohave Pottery

"Mohave Pottery" by A. L. Kroeber and Michael J. Harner is an ethnographic and archaeological study of the pottery created by the Mohave people, written in the mid-20th century. The work focuses on different pottery types, their construction techniques, designs, and cultural significance. It provides a comprehensive investigation into the forms and styles of Mohave ceramics, cataloging their variations and identifying characteristics. At the start of "Mohave Pottery," the authors introduce the context of the pottery collection, which dates back fifty years and is housed in the University of California’s Museum of Anthropology. The foreword emphasizes the ethnological and archaeological analysis undertaken by Kroeber and Harner to detail vessel shapes, uses, and designs as well as the materials and methods used in pottery making. The initial observations highlight the various shapes recognized by the Mohave, including bowls, platters, and cooking pots, alongside a detailed discussion on the significance of their painted designs and ornamentation, establishing the groundwork for the following in-depth analysis throughout the publication.

William Henry Holmes

Prehistoric Textile Fabrics Of The United States, Derived From Impressions On Pottery
 Third Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1881-82, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1884, pages 393-425

"Prehistoric Textile Fabrics Of The United States, Derived From Impressions On…" by William H. Holmes is a scientific publication written during the late 19th century. This work dives into the topic of textile fabrics used by ancient peoples from the United States, specifically those that can be analyzed through the impressions they left on pottery. It serves as an important contribution to the study of ethnology and archaeology, focusing on the methods and materials employed in textile production by prehistoric cultures. The book discusses various types of textile fabrics identified through meticulous research and analysis of pottery fragments. Holmes categorizes these fabrics into groups based on their weaving techniques and materials, showcasing a range of ancient textiles from diverse geographic locations across the U.S. He provides detailed illustrations and examinations of the fabrics, emphasizing their roles in both the practical aspects of pottery construction and aesthetic ornamentation. The work highlights the sophistication of textile techniques among prehistoric tribes, illustrating that these early artists used woven materials not only for functionality but also for decorative purposes, enriching our understanding of their cultural practices.

James Stevenson

Illustrated Catalogue of the Collections Obtained from the Indians of New Mexico in 1880
 Second Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1880-81, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1883, pages 429-466

"Illustrated Catalogue of the Collections Obtained from the Indians of New Mexico in 1880" by James Stevenson is a detailed scientific publication written during the late 19th century. This book serves as a catalogue of ethnological and archaeological collections sourced from Pueblo tribes in New Mexico, specifically focusing on the objects and artifacts gathered during field investigations. The catalogue meticulously documents various collections from dozens of Pueblo sites, detailing items such as stone tools, pottery, and other artifacts with descriptions of materials, functions, and the history of their use. Each entry is organized by Pueblo location—offering insights into the craftsmanship and traditional practices of these indigenous peoples. The work emphasizes the impending loss of cultural artifacts and practices due to modernization, documenting the unique artistry and the states of decline in pottery-making, tool usage, and traditional practices as a result of the influence of Eastern civilization and industrialization encroaching on these communities. With its rich illustrations and thorough descriptions, this catalogue provides valuable information for both historians and enthusiasts interested in the Indigenous culture of New Mexico.

Frank Hamilton Cushing

A Study of Pueblo Pottery as Illustrative of Zuñi Culture Growth.
 Fourth Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1882-83, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1886, pages 467-522

"A Study of Pueblo Pottery as Illustrative of Zuñi Culture Growth" by Frank Hamilton Cushing is a scientific publication written during the late 19th century. This book explores the intricate relationship between Pueblo pottery and the evolution of Zuñi culture, highlighting how environmental factors influenced both the pottery-making techniques and the architectural styles of the Zuñi tribes. As such, it delves into cultural artifacts as reflections of broader societal development within the context of the ancient Pueblo peoples. The book meticulously documents the historical development of Pueblo pottery, tracing its origins from early basketry to the advanced ceramic techniques employed by the Zuñis. Cushing examines various elements, including the environmental influences that necessitated certain design choices, the evolution of pottery forms, and the decorative symbolism embedded within the artwork. He outlines the transition from simple utilitarian wares to more elaborate and artistically designated ceramic pieces, each bearing cultural significance that reflects the rituals and beliefs of the Zuñi people. Through linguistic analysis and ethnographic observations, Cushing provides a nuanced understanding of how these pottery forms function not only as practical vessels but also as vital components of Zuñi identity and spirituality.

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