Ceramics Books and Magazines

American Indian pottery is part of an age-old tradition, reflecting a heritage of powerful social, religious, and material values. Traditionally a women's art, modern American Indian women use it even now to express themselves through new and original designs. This book explores the history of American Indian pottery, the materials and methods of its construction, and the evolution of its eloquent forms and ornamentation.

The author gives in-depth personal introductions to three generations of American Indian potters: the craft's six well-known matriarchs, their biological descendants who have maintained and expanded the tradition, and their modern-day avant-garde followerscraftswomen who work with traditional methods but in nontraditional styles and who continue to live in accordance with their cultural heritage.

The work of 29 womenamong them Maria Martinez, Margaret Tafoya, Lucy M. Lewis, Dextra Nampeyo, and Dorothy Toriviois presented in specially commissioned photographs, with detailed explanations of their themes, techniques, and meanings. Archival photographs of the potters at work provide further insight into this important craft.

130 full-color illustrations, 20 archival photographs