This excerpt is taken
from a month's worth of journal entries of an archaeologists excavation
of a ruin in Northern Arizona. The archaeologists are studying Hopi-Tewa
pottery for the intentions of it to be published in an academic journal.
The journal entry below is a complete work of fiction.
Flagstaff, Arizona July, 1998
Today we visited the ancient Sikyatki ruins located in the area surrounding
the
First Mesa. Looking at the potsherds or pieces of broken pottery
in the ruins
gives us, archaeologists, a brief glance into the lives of the Hopi Indians.
This
piece of history shows us what Nampeyo
must of have seen hundreds of years
ago, which inspired the revival of Sikyatki
forms of pottery. Using the Sikyatki
process and the unique designs
brought in a new demand for the Hopi pottery.
The demand for the Hopi-Tewa pottery came with
the Western Influence in the
First Mesa.
The focus of this web site is Native
American Potters, specifically the Hopi-Tewa Indians of the Southwest.
The Hopi-Tewa potters are an interesting blend of culture, tradition, and
history. These aspects will be detailed throughout this web site
with an emphasis on design analysis, history of Hopi-Tewa Potters, the
process of making a piece of pottery, and a history of of Nampeyo.
Further, this sight will focus on the relationship between contemporary
society and traditional pottery making, stemming from the theory of a contact
zone.
Our group would like
to extend a special THANK YOU to Diane Dittemore and Hisi Nampeyo.
These two extraordinary ladies helped us compile our research on Native
American Potters. Diane Dittemore, who works in the Arizona State
Museum, helped us gather books on our related topics, shared her knowledge
of the potters, and let us take pictures of the pots held in the museum's
archives. Hisi Nampeyo, a descendant of Nampeyo, presented her pottery
making skill at an exhibition at the Arizona State Museum. She explained
every step of her pottery making and designing and allowed us to take pictures
of her while she was working. Our project would not be complete without
the help of these two ladies. Thank you very much!