Native-American Traditions on Display

The exhibit "Journeys from the Earth," at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center presents another form of art to viewers; useful, everyday objects that are significant and culturally historic art.

"Journeys from the Earth" features hand crafted ceramics and pottery from Native Americans in New Mexico and Arizona.

Along a wall of the exhibit, a series of black and white pictures depict Hopi artist Nampeyo, demonstrating how to make this special and unique pottery.

The artist extracts clay from the earth and then begins the long process of kneading and preparing the clay for molding.

Once it is ready, the artist makes rolled clay coils and blends them together with water and shaping tools.

When the clay is dried and smoothed, the artist uses pigments from various plants and vegetation to paint and add designs and depth to the pottery.

Once that is finished, the ceramics are covered with a mound of sheep manure and wood and set on fire.

When the fire cools, the ceramics are extracted from the ashes, thus completing the laborious process. The art varies from bowls, vases, jars and figurines all in different sizes.

Most of the pots are the natural red of the clay with painted black and white accents. The designs are carefully crafted on the ceramics.

Different forms, shapes, lines, animals and objects from nature decorate the pots and bowls.

Smooth black ceramics contrast with the abundance of clay bowls painted red, white and black, with similar abstract designs.

One large jar is painted a deep creamy brown and is cut and carved in the shape of a large bear.

Bear paws are etched on the front of the jar near the opening, which is not at the top, but rather in the middle.

Aside from the useful household and ceremonial items like jars and bowls, there are some clay animal figures like a small, animated owl with beady eyes.

"Journeys from the Earth" gives viewers the chance to see contemporary Native American art and artifacts used in everyday life.