Navajo pottery

Navajo pottery is an evolving art form which fascinates collectors with its simple yet beautiful forms. Even today's most contemporary pieces are still created in the old way, with hand-coiling and outdoor firing standard. Pinon pitch is still used to coat the surface of the pot, usually both inside and out. In the past, this was a process accomplished to keep pots relatively watertight. While sealing is still prevalent today, we do not recommend that the purchaser use water in the pottery, as even a sealed pot may eventually seep fluid, leeching out white mineral deposits which stain the piece inside and out.

At Grey Dog Trading Company, we show Navajo pottery from a number of the top potters. The famous Williams family, especially award-winning artist Alice Cling, has advanced the art form by light years by adding the process of stone polishing the pinon pitch to remove the excess, as well as utilizing a dramatic red slip. This family's graceful shapes and impressive coaxing of the firing to add dramatic fire clouding has futher augmented the artistic strength of Navajo pottery. The magnificent finished vessel, replendent in the Williams family's trademark rich brown or reddish-brown hue, is a testament to the creativity of Navajo potters.

At Grey Dog Trading Company, we offer pottery from a number of top potters from many tribes. Our pottery ranges from traditional to very contemporary. High quality polish, careful carving, even painting and good formation of shape are all important criteria in our selection.

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