Primitive Pot #4

Description

From raw earth to fire hardened ceramic, This ceramic vessel is make 100% by hand. Jeff first gathers a local wild clay that was also used 1,000 years ago by the prehistoric people in Phoenix, Arizona. The clay is then crushed and processed by hand, sifted, and slurried by adding water. Once the clay begins to become firm again, it is placed into a bucket and ages for 4 months. Jeff then builds each pot and carefully shapes it into the form you are seeing in the photos using a paddle and anvil. This traditional method is exactly how prehistoric people in Arizona constructed their vessels–a wheel is not used in this construction method. After the pot is fully dry, it is fired in nature using juniper wood.

This vessel is a native buff clay body from Phoenix and is fired in oxidation where the rich iron deposits in the clay turn the vessel a buff color. The jar is then painted with red hematite mixed with mesquite sap. It is then fired in oxidation and covered with broken pot sherds so clouding does not occur. We find this exact size and shape in the archaeological record in Phoenix. Please note there is a small chip on the rim. The vessel is structurally sound and the chip will not impact the function at all.