 | The haunting beauty of Anasazi black on white pottery is the timeless legacy of the
prehistoric Southwest. The dignity of classic vessel form is tempered by a compliment
of bold and vibrant geometric design. The unity of vessel contour and surface painting
creates dynamic visual rhythms that captivates the beholder.
For a millennium, ceramic traditions evolved as the Anasazi flourished upon the Colorado
plateau. In pottery making, the ancestral Puebloans developed true artistic
expression. When
the "Ancient Ones" mysteriously vanished some seven hundred years ago so did the
secrets of their ceramic technology. Only ruins and artifacts remained as silent clues
about Anasazi life. Until recently, very little evidence had been unearthed about actual
Anasazi pottery production methods. By sifting through the riddles of the past, we have
begun to unravel the mysteries of this lost art form.
Ongoing collaborations between dedicated artists and archaeologists have now begun to
unlock secrets to this centuries old pottery tradition.
To truly gain insight into the
artistic achievements of these remarkable people we must seek understanding from a
prehistoric
perspective. |
