Archaeologists since Thomas Jefferson have been studying prehistoric man in North America and the pottery he left as tangible evidence of his presence.  Ceramics were well established in North America before the time of Christ, and developed to a high level of technical and artistic excellence particularly in the Southwest.  By 200 BC it had achieved a high level of development as represented by the artistically executed pottery produced by the Hohokam--Mimbres culture of the Southwest.  Generally pottery progressed throughout North America concurrently with the development of the agrarian cultures. 

In the Americas, pottery art reached its highest development in Mexico, Central America, and Peru.  The influence of this pottery art from the south (Mexico and Central America) reached the inhabitants of the territory which is now Arizona and New Mexico.   Interestingly, as distances increase northward and eastward from the Southwest there is less evidence of such influence.  While glazing of the entire pot was not used, the overall technical aspects of the pottery equaled, and in some cases exceeded, that of the pottery produced in Europe and Asia.  No single artifact provides as many clues to prehistoric life as pottery with more known about the pottery producing cultures of North America than about other cultures without a potting tradition.  

If we can allow the time to observe and study the modern Pueblo potter we might better understand the culture and meaning of their ancestors.  Clay is said to come from the "body of Mother Earth" and to be "alive"   Clay breathes.  Different clays have different feelings, qualities, and strengths.  If one listens, potters speak respectfully of the spirit of Clay, asking her help in this good work.  Following the spirit of this time honored tradition,  we ask that these examples of fine pottery be received in a good way.