American Indian pottery
Quick Summary
American Indian pottery, a significant art form, developed independently of Old World techniques, as Native Americans migrated from Asia to the Americas between 40,000 and 10,000 years ago. The potter's wheel was unknown until European arrival, with most pottery made by coiling or molding, likely by women. Slips were used for decoration, and while glazes are rare, some examples exist.123
In North America, the Southwest was a major center for pottery, particularly among the Ancestral Pueblo people, who transitioned from basketry to clay pots around 50 CE. Their pottery evolved from simple gray wares to intricate black and white geometric designs, and later to polychrome wares featuring stylized figures. The Hohokam culture created pottery figures, and the Mimbres period of the Mogollon culture is noted for its lively depictions of humans, animals, and insects. Central American pottery, from cultures like the Maya, Zapotec, Toltec, and Aztec, is diverse and often features geometric patterns.13
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