Bowl c. 1400 - 1625

This bowl was made by an Ancestral Hopi potter, using materials gathered directly from the earth. The work begins with the clay itself, likely sourced from local deposits, carefully processed, and coiled by hand to build up the form. Its surface is smoothed and then painted with natural pigments, perhaps derived from iron oxides for the warm browns. The bowl would have been fired in an open pit or kiln, a process requiring skill to control the temperature and atmosphere, ensuring the piece vitrifies, meaning the clay particles fuse together. The painted decoration is integrated with the form, and it also speaks to the cultural significance of the bowl as a utilitarian object that would be used as part of everyday life. The labor involved in the creation of this bowl would have been considerable, reflecting a deep understanding of materials and process. Ultimately, this bowl invites us to consider the intimate relationship between maker, material, and community, blurring the boundaries between art, craft, and daily existence.