Bowl c. 1350 - 1400

This bowl was made by the artist Four Mile, using clay, and painted with mineral pigments. The smooth, earthy feel of the bowl speaks to its origins in the earth. Four Mile skillfully coil-built the bowl, a process involving rolling clay into long ropes, and layering them to gradually build up the form. Look closely at the surface. It is polished to a soft sheen, achieved through hours of burnishing with a smooth stone before firing. The painted designs, applied with a yucca brush, are not just decoration. Geometric motifs have deep cultural significance, reflecting the worldview and traditions of the potter and their community. The labor and knowledge embedded in this bowl challenge our conventional ideas around art and craft. It is a testament to human ingenuity, skill, and the intimate relationship between maker, material, and culture. It invites us to reconsider the value we place on handmade objects versus mass-produced items in today's world.