One of the most expressive ways Native American people have to share their culture is the building of natural pottery. Digging clay from "Mother Earth" brings the people closer to the true meaning of the earth. Pottery is not only made from "clay".
It is a combination of many different materials: earth, clay, sand and old pottery shards.

Each artist has their own recipe if you will to produce the perfect piece.

Here are examples of handmade pottery by award winning artist Noreen Simplicio from the Pueblo of Zuni.

Notice the unique art work on the top of the pot. Noreen has shared the ceremonial at the Zuni Pueblo. People are making bread, dancing, talking to others. She has included the art work she is famous for, the deer in its house with the heart line. All lines are prayers to mother earth, while the flowers and swirls remind us of the gifts of the Creator. The pot measures 6 1/2" tall by 5" wide.
The price for such a one of a kind piece of art is $975.00

Pot with rainbird rosetta. This is a sacred medallion design by the Zunis. Deer in his house, fine lines to the Creator as prayers, clouds, flowers and birds all in honor of the Creator.
Handbuilt by Noreen Simplicio, this pot measures 6 1/2" tall and is 6" at the widest part.
Sells for $875

Another beautiful piece by Noreen Simplicio is the lizard pot. She delicately builds each lizard and paints them in their whimsical way. The lizards are protectors of the water in the old pueblo. They can be included in ceremonials.
This beautiful pot measures 6 1/2" tall and 5" at the widest part.
It sells for $650.

The pottery below follows the traditions of Fannie Nampeyo. She would teach her children and they taught their children and the tradition of painting fine line pottery continues today.
Vernida fires the same way her Grandmother Fannie taught her. She follows the fine line painting as it helps her relax. Reva Ami mentions in the book FOURTEEN FAMILIES IN PUEBLO POTTERY that "I'm sticking to the family's designs and I'm trying to get back to the older ones like my Grandmother FannieNampeyo."

This hand built pot by Reva Ami Nampeyo stresses the fine lines of the traditional potterers. It is much richer in color than the picture. The pot measures 4" tall and 3" wide
and sells for $120.

Tradition continues with this fine line hand built pot by V. Polacca Nampeyo. It measures 3" tall by 4" across
and sells for $205.

A beautiful, handmade pot by Clinton Polacca Nampeyo. He follows the fine lines and designs of his Grandmother.
This pot stands 6 1/2 " tall by 6 " across
and sells for $500.