Adobe Gallery Blog

We are often drilled by clients to explain the meaning of designs on pottery.  Some designs are relatively easy to interpret but others may or may not be identifiable and related to something with which we are familiar.  We have a good escape route in Nampeyo of Hano pottery because we remind clients that designs used by Nampeyo were based on potsherds being excavated at a prehistoric site that existed a thousand years ago.  Even if we think we can interpret a design, it may not be what the potter had in mind a thousand years ago.  Also, Nampeyo used the potsherds for inspiration, not for copying. 

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