Birds on Historic Pueblo Pottery

One must admire the aesthetic sense of potters, long ago vanished, which created items of superb beauty when an object of much lesser beauty would have sufficed for the intended purpose. It is difficult for us today to understand their appreciation for beautifying objects of everyday use. In centuries past, their ancestors did the same. Many everyday vessels—storage jars, pitchers, ladles, canteens, seed jars, and serving bowls—were executed with care and creative genius that characterize works of art.

It must be understood that although pottery production was for utilitarian purposes, it always has a spiritual or ceremonial function for the people. Everything in the pueblo world has a purpose. Much care is given in the preparation for making a pot and in the execution of it. Each pot is a spiritual being and each is as precious as a child.

This Special Exhibit explores the usage of birds as decorative motifs on historic Pueblo Pottery circa 1850-1930.

Southwest indigenous potters were creating vessels with avian designs more than 1,000 years ago. From Hopi to Zuni, to Laguna, Acoma, and Zia, contemporary Pueblo potters and their ancestors have been integrating bird motifs in beautiful and respectful ways in their work. Pueblo pottery birds come in many incarnations—parrots, cranes, eagles, turkeys and hummingbirds—with meanings ranging from physical strength in battle to prosperity, wisdom and courage. Some images are more readily recognized, but quite often, they are only apparent with closer observation, adding to the intricacies and drama of the pot.

In this August show, Adobe Gallery will honor the tradition of incorporating bird motifs in pottery by hosting an informative show entitled “Birds on Pueblo Pottery". Examples of historic pots from 1850-1930, possessing these intricacies and beauty, will be on exhibition for collectors and Native American history buffs alike to enjoy.

"The appearance of bird motifs in Pueblo pottery dates back to at least the mid-19th Century, in many cases," said Alexander Anthony, Jr., historic Native arts expert and Adobe Gallery proprietor. "These iconic images are highly associated with Pueblo pottery and their beauty has been manifested in many forms. This exhibit really allows the collector to see some fine examples up-close and personal."