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An Enduring Tradition

The Tewa-speaking pueblos of Northern New Mexico have made beautiful ceramics for hundreds of years. Manufacturing techniques have varied little, and design elements have changed only gradually over time. Some classic pottery shapes, including these jar and bowl forms, still remain part of the San Ildefonso tradition. Color schemes like on these black-on-cream (Sankawi Black-on-Cream) and especially the polychrome (Pojoaque Polychrome) designs continue.

A core repertoire of painted design elements remains in use. The knowledge of these ceramic technologies and design styles are deeply embedded into pottery-making traditions. When these designs or forms are used, they are not thought of as "revival" or "mimicry," but are mere continuations of what has always been.

Museum of New Mexico