Inca pottery, small pot of 17 cm in height, with the shape of a human head with stylized braids.

Mimbres pot, black on white, with a stylized lizard. The circular lines call to mind the shimmering heat in which this animal lives. Diameter: about 4 inches. Mimbres Valley (New Mexico), Mogollon Culture (E.H. Morris Collection), UCM.
UCM = University of Colorado Museum, Boulder (Colorado)

The environment of the past and present. - On the Mimbres pot two fish fight over a worm. Diameter: 12.08 inches, UCM.
UCM = University of Colorado Museum, Boulder (Colorado)

Gray, unfired anthropomorphic clay figurine. The left arm is missing. A clay «sausage» surrounds the head and the clay was slightly pinched to create the nose; the neck and hand are embellished with crosshatching; the base is rounded off. Such statuettes were placed in the ground on ceremonial occasions, particularly funerals. 2.52 x 1.76 x 0.4 inches; Fremont Culture, MNA.
MNA = Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff (Arizona)

Spoon handle depicting a baby in a cradle. This ceramic fragment was found in the ruins at Wupatki National Monument (Arizona). Was it a decorated object for special occasions? Height: 3.2 inches. Anasazi Culture, MNA.
MNA = Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff (Arizona)

Pottery from the various prehistoric cultures. Mug, 6.8 inches high, Pueblo Bonito, Chaco Canyon, Anasazi Culture, 1075-1150, CCP
CCP = Museum Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Chaco Canyon (New Mexico)

Pottery from the various prehistoric cultures. Shallow bowl, 12.4 inches diameter, Gila River Valley, Hohokam Culture, ASM
ASM = Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson (Arizona)

Pottery from the various prehistoric cultures. Clay head, 1.12 inches high, Snaketown, Hohokam Culture, ASM
ASM = Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson (Arizona)

Pottery from the various prehistoric cultures. Polychrome vessel, Kayenta, Anasazi Culture, Navajo National Monument Museum.

Pottery from the various prehistoric cultures. Coiled pot, 8.8 inches high, Chaco Canyon, Anasazi Culture, 1000-1200, CCP
CCP = Museum Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Chaco Canyon (New Mexico)

Pottery from the various prehistoric cultures. Polychrome bowl, 10 inches diameter, Mogollon Culture, 1300-1400, HMP
HMP = Heard Museum, Phoenix (Arizona)

Pottery from the various prehistoric cultures. Black-on-white bowl with "kill" hole, 8.32 inches diameter, Mimbres Valley, UCM.
UCM = University of Colorado Museum, Boulder (Colorado)

Pottery from the various prehistoric cultures. Container from a kiva, 13 inches diameter, Mesa Verde, Anasazi Culture, MVM
MVM = Mesa Verde National Park Museum (Colorado)

Pottery from the various prehistoric cultures. Polychrome vessel, 6.4 inches diameter, Kinishba, Salado-culture, MNA
MNA = Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff (Arizona)

Pottery from the various prehistoric cultures. Anthropomorphic jar, 5.56 inches high, Keystone Ruin, Salado Culture, ASM
ASM = Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson (Arizona)

Pottery from the various prehistoric cultures. Anthropomorphic vessel (polychrome), 6.2 inches high, Casas Grandes Culture (Mexico), AFM.
AFM = Amerind Foundation Museum, Dragoon (Arizona)

Typically cylindrical Chaco Canyon pottery, black on white, with geometric designs and four small handles at the rim. Height: 8.8 inches. 120 such pots were found in a grave at Pueblo Bonito; Anasazi Culture (Collection of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.), CCP.
CCP = Museum Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Chaco Canyon (New Mexico)

Bowl and kiva vessel: Pottery characteristic of Mesa Verde, black on white, decorated with geometric designs, creating a kinetic positive-negative effect. Diameter: 10.4 inches. The ears of corn date from the time when Mesa Verde was inhabited. Anasazi Culture, MVM.
MVM = Mesa Verde National Park Museum (Colorado)

Three "killed" Mimbres ceramic bowls, black on white, from the Mimbres Valley (New Mexico), Mogollon Culture. Left: Stylized representation of a human figure with a club such as those used to hunt rabbits, UCM.
UCM = University of Colorado Museum, Boulder (Colorado)

Objects of clay and stone (perhaps jewelry), found largely in Hohokam burials. In the Southwest the Hohokam are considered the masters of such creations, an art characterized by its style and expressive quality. - Shallow clay bowl in the shape of a curled up snake. The incised lines represent the scaly skin; 4 inches diameter HMP.
HMP = Heard Museum, Phoenix (Arizona)

Hohokam clay figurines, found at many large archaeological sites, ASM. - Sitting person, wrapped in a sort of shawl, with turban or an unusual hairstyle. Height: 4 inches.
ASM = Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson (Arizona)

Hohokam clay figurines, found at many large archaeological sites, ASM. - Sitting human figure with a shallow bowl on its head; both sides of the head are painted with designs in red. Height: 5 inches.
ASM = Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson (Arizona)

Mimbres pottery, black on white, Mogollon Culture. Each pot with a hole in the bottom represents a mortuary offering that was "killed," thereby setting its soul free. - Bowl with a stylized bat with spread wings, one of the finest examples of representative Mimbres pottery. Diameter: 9.84 inches. ASM
ASM = Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson (Arizona)

Mimbres pottery, black on white, Mogollon Culture. Each pot with a hole in the bottom represents a mortuary offering that was "killed," thereby setting its soul free. - A pot in the shape of a bird with an opening at the head end. Diameter: 7.4 inches. MNA
MNA = Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff (Arizona)

Mimbres pottery, black on white, Mogollon Culture. Each pot with a hole in the bottom represents a mortuary offering that was "killed," thereby setting its soul free. - Large pot Colla) with a narrow neck and two handles, decorated with the sun symbol, stars and the stairway to heaven; MNA
MNA = Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff (Arizona)

Mimbres pottery, black on white, Mogollon Culture. Each pot with a hole in the bottom represents a mortuary offering that was "killed," thereby setting its soul free. - Bowl painted with a styled big-horn sheep, its body resembling a chessboard. Diameter: 9.44 inches. UCM
UCM = University of Colorado Museum, Boulder (Colorado)

Detail of a richly decorated Mimbres bowl, black on white. In the middle is depicted a geometric pronghorn antelope with a rhomboid head and naturalistic antlers, mouth and hooves; at its widest point the diameter is 12.32 inches. Mimbres Valley (New Mexico), Mogollon Culture, ASM.
ASM = Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson (Arizona)

Mimbres bowl, black on white, with stylized, naturalistic motifs; Mogollon Culture. - Scorpion within a circular design representing feathers. Diameter: 10.4 inches. MNM.
MNM = Collections of the Museum of New Mexico, Laboratory of Anthropology, Santa Fe (New Mexico)

Mimbres bowl, black on white, with stylized, naturalistic motifs; Mogollon Culture. - Two deer-like animals, one in front ofthe other. The tail of one covers the back of both in a composition of striking simplicity. Diameter: 10.56 inches. UCM
UCM = University of Colorado Museum, Boulder (Colorado)

Mimbres bowl, black on white, with stylized, naturalistic motifs; Mogollon Culture. - An animal biting its own tail, similar to the image of a coiled snake, the symbol of eternity. The naturalistic style clearly borders here onto pure geometry. 9.84 inches diameter, UCM.
UCM = University of Colorado Museum, Boulder (Colorado)

This clay figurine once embellished the handle of a jar or a ladle. With almond-shaped eyes, prominent nose, expressionistic in style, it is comparable to the Hohokam figurines (see PUE-164 and PUE-165). Height: 2.76 inches. Mogollon Culture, ASM.
ASM = Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson (Arizona)

Anasazi pottery - Bowl, black on gray, with geometric designs (triangles with dots and crossed and zig-zag lines) on the inner surface; mortuary offering. Diameter: 7.24 inches. Wupatki National Monument (Arizona), Sinagua Culture, MNA
MNA = Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff (Arizona)

Anasazi pottery - Ladle, black on white, geometric design, MNA.
MNA = Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff (Arizona)

Anasazi pottery - Bowl, black on gray, with concentric lines and dots; 5.48 inches diameter, MNA
MNA = Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff (Arizona)

A selection of clay figurines made by the Hohokam, found largely in graves. The faces are quite detailed, eyes and mouths are incised, eyelids clearly delineated. As portraits and as death masks they illustrate the transition from reality to eternity. The median length of the faces is 1.2 inches; the tallest figurine measures 3.36 inches. ASM.
ASM = Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson (Arizona)

Miniature clay representation of a «forked double basket» (an object with ceremonial significance?). Height: 6.20 inches. Pueblo Bonito, Chaco Canyon (New Mexico), Anasazi Culture (Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.), CCP.
CCP = Museum Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Chaco Canyon (New Mexico)

Hohokam pottery with geometric and naturalistic designs. - Lid of a grave jar. Red on ochre, with rhomboids with dots in the centers. Diameter: 6 inches. HMP - -Miniature pot, red on ochre, with N-shaped design. Height 3.6 inches. HMP
HMP = Heard Museum, Phoenix (Arizona)

Hohokam pottery with geometric and naturalistic designs. - Deep bowl, red on ochre, painted with spirals. Height: 2.4 inches. HMP.
HMP = Heard Museum, Phoenix (Arizona)

Hohokam pottery with geometric and naturalistic designs. - Three-legged pot, red on ochre, painted with a coiled snake motif, one of which is being attacked by two birds. Diameter: 4.72 inches. ASM.
ASM = Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson (Arizona)

Hohokam pottery with geometric and naturalistic designs. - Deep bowl, with concentric circles and parallel lines, later repainted. Height: 2.8 inches. HMP. Pitcher found in a child's grave. Diameter: 5.2 inches. HMP
HMP = Heard Museum, Phoenix (Arizona)

Hohokam pottery with geometric and naturalistic designs. - Red on ochre pot with the enlarged head and body of a seated figure. Height: 6.48 inches. ASM.
ASM = Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson (Arizona)

Mesa Verde pottery: two lids, black on white. Diameter: 3.64 inches. Mug House, Wetherill Mesa (Colorado), Anasazi Culture, MVM.
MVM = Mesa Verde National Park Museum (Colorado)

Pottery from Casas Grandes (Mexico), Ramos polychrome, with well-executed, stylized geometric and naturalistic designs; several are anthropomorphic. The pots are painted with those design elements that were used over and over again in the Southwest, universal symbols like spirals, birds, stairways to heaven, etc. - Stylized rabbit figure. Diameter: 9.28 inches. AFM.
AFM = Amerind Foundation Museum, Dragoon (Arizona)

Pottery from Casas Grandes (Mexico), Ramos polychrome, with well-executed, stylized geometric and naturalistic designs; several are anthropomorphic. The pots are painted with those design elements that were used over and over again in the Southwest, universal symbols like spirals, birds, stairways to heaven, etc. - Square pot with four legs, painted with deer (?) and the stairway to heaven design. 3.28 inches long on a side, 0.12 inches thick. AFM
AFM = Amerind Foundation Museum, Dragoon (Arizona)

Pottery from Casas Grandes (Mexico), Ramos polychrome, with well-executed, stylized geometric and naturalistic designs; several are anthropomorphic. The pots are painted with those design elements that were used over and over again in the Southwest, universal symbols like spirals, birds, stairways to heaven, etc. - Spirals and birds, with a handle in the shape of a parrot's head. Height: 6.8 inches. AFM.
AFM = Amerind Foundation Museum, Dragoon (Arizona)

Pottery from Casas Grandes (Mexico), Ramos polychrome, with well-executed, stylized geometric and naturalistic designs; several are anthropomorphic. The pots are painted with those design elements that were used over and over again in the Southwest, universal symbols like spirals, birds, stairways to heaven, etc. - Human face surrounded by parrot heads with large crooked beaks. Diameter: 8.04 inches. AFM
AFM = Amerind Foundation Museum, Dragoon (Arizona)

Piece of pottery from Casas Grandes (Mexico). - Pottery with an anthropomorphic shape, a caricatured face with prominent chin and cheeks that end in ears. The mouth is indicated. The whole piece is somewhat humorous, a not uncommon characteristic of southwestern pottery. Height: 6.24 inches. AFM.
AFM = Amerind Foundation Museum, Dragoon (Arizona)

Piece of pottery from Casas Grandes (Mexico). - Anthropomorphic pot with extended legs, arms parallel to the body, shaped eyes and nose. Length: 9.32 inches. AFM
AFM = Amerind Foundation Museum, Dragoon (Arizona)

Piece of pottery from Casas Grandes (Mexico). - Red anthropomorphic pitcher with a flat head, almond-shaped eyes and shaped nose, chin and ears. Height: 7.6 inches. AFM
AFM = Amerind Foundation Museum, Dragoon (Arizona)

Piece of pottery from Casas Grandes (Mexico). - Double mug. A large number ofthese mugs were found at Mesa Verde. Diameter: 5 inches. AFM.
AFM = Amerind Foundation Museum, Dragoon (Arizona)

Mug, black on white, with characteristic Chaco Canyon (New Mexico) decoration consisting of geometric lines and crosshatching, handle in the shape of a jaguar (?). Height: 7.84 inches. HMP.
HMP = Heard Museum, Phoenix (Arizona)

Typical Chaco Canyon pottery, black on white, with stairway-like motifs, triangles, chessboard squares, elongated spirals and crosshatched areas. Anasazi Culture. - Cylindrical pot. Height: 8.8 inches. MNM.
MNM = Collections of the Museum of New Mexico, Laboratory of Anthropology, Santa Fe (New Mexico)

Typical Chaco Canyon pottery, black on white, with stairway-like motifs, triangles, chessboard squares, elongated spirals and crosshatched areas. Anasazi Culture. - Mug. Height: 6.8 inches. MMA
MMA = Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque (New Mexico)

Typical Chaco Canyon pottery, black on white, with stairway-like motifs, triangles, chessboard squares, elongated spirals and crosshatched areas. Anasazi Culture. - Ladle in Mesa Verde style. Length: 13.6 inches. CCP
CCP = Museum Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Chaco Canyon (New Mexico)

Typical Chaco Canyon pottery, black on white, with stairway-like motifs, triangles, chessboard squares, elongated spirals and crosshatched areas. Anasazi Culture. - Ladle. Length: 5.2 inches. CCP
CCP = Museum Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Chaco Canyon (New Mexico)

Typical Chaco Canyon pottery, black on white, with stairway-like motifs, triangles, chessboard squares, elongated spirals and crosshatched areas. Anasazi Culture. - Bowl. Diameter: 8.0 inches. CCP
CCP = Museum Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Chaco Canyon (New Mexico)

Typical Chaco Canyon pottery, black on white, with stairway-like motifs, triangles, chessboard squares, elongated spirals and crosshatched areas. Anasazi Culture. - Bowl with painted rim. Diameter: 4.2 inches. CCP
CCP = Museum Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Chaco Canyon (New Mexico)

Animal design on Mesa Verde pottery. - stylized deer - Mug House, Mesa Verde (Colorado), MVM.
MVM = Mesa Verde National Park Museum (Colorado)

Animal design on Mesa Verde pottery. - stylized bird, perhaps a turkey - Mug House, Mesa Verde (Colorado), MVM.
MVM = Mesa Verde National Park Museum (Colorado)

Water jar (olla) in the shape of a bird, painted in reddish brown on white, with a stylized deer or antelope head; cult object (or mortuary offering). Height: 9.64 inches. Mogollon Culture, ASM.
ASM = Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson (Arizona)

Olla with two handles, black motif on a yellowish base, decorated with suns, stars, curved lines and hatched areas. Height: 12.96 inches. Mesa Verde (Colorado), Anasazi Culture, UCM.
UCM = University of Colorado Museum, Boulder (Colorado)

Pitcher, black on white, richly painted, with handle in the shape of an animal (perhaps a dog with wings). Height: 7.32 inches. ASM.
ASM = Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson (Arizona)

Mug, black on white. This drinking vessel was once broken and repaired in prehistoric times; the handle has a rare T-shaped cut-out. Height: 4 inches. Mesa Verde, Anasazi Culture, ASM.
ASM = Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson (Arizona)

Water jar with incising. Length: 6.84 inches. Rio Grande Region, Anasazi Culture (Collection of A. Bandelier), ASM.
ASM = Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson (Arizona)

Corrugated ware with yucca fiber twine; the base is made of juniper bark. Height: 9.8 inches. Kayenta Region, Anasazi Culture, ASM.
ASM = Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson (Arizona)

Mesa Verde pottery: pots, pitchers and mugs, black on white with geometric designs. The double mug is among the most unusual pieces. Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado), MVM. - Water jar. Height: 3.0 inches. Wetherill Mesa (Colorado).
MVM = Mesa Verde National Park Museum (Colorado)

Mesa Verde pottery: pots, pitchers and mugs, black on white with geometric designs. The double mug is among the most unusual pieces. Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado), MVM. - Double pitcher. Height: 3.8 inches.
MVM = Mesa Verde National Park Museum (Colorado)

Mesa Verde pottery: pots, pitchers and mugs, black on white with geometric designs. The double mug is among the most unusual pieces. Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado), MVM. - Kiva pot. Height: 5.6 inches; diameter: 7.76 inches at the widest point. Long House.
MVM = Mesa Verde National Park Museum (Colorado)

Mesa Verde pottery: pots, pitchers and mugs, black on white with geometric designs. The double mug is among the most unusual pieces. Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado), MVM. - Pitcher with handle. Height: 7.28 inches; diameter: 7 inches at widest point. Chapin Mesa
MVM = Mesa Verde National Park Museum (Colorado)

Three bowls found in Hopi graves that represent a link between prehistoric and historic times with their continuity in form and decorative motifs; UCM. - Bowl, brown on ochre, with schematized animal. (PUE-179B/C)
UCM = University of Colorado Museum, Boulder (Colorado)

Three bowls found in Hopi graves that represent a link between prehistoric and historic times with their continuity in form and decorative motifs; UCM. - Polychrome bowl with the magic hand symbol. Diameter: 10.56 inches. (PUE-179A/C)
UCM = University of Colorado Museum, Boulder (Colorado)

Three bowls found in Hopi graves that represent a link between prehistoric and historic times with their continuity in form and decorative motifs; UCM. - Polychrome bowl, arm and hand (with schematized fingernails). Diameter: 10.4 inches. (PUE-179A/B) -- Museumdaten fehlen!
UCM = University of Colorado Museum, Boulder (Colorado)

Shallow bowl, red on ochre. The composition is made up of four symmetrical sections of a circle, each depicting a dancer holding the waist of Kokopelli, the hunchback flute player, shown wearing a feather headdress. The bent legs and body indicate the movement of the dance. Diameter: 10.84 inches. Snaketown (Arizona), Hohokam Culture, ASM.
ASM = Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson (Arizona)

Pottery in the Ramos polychrome style: effigy of a seated woman nursing a child; decorated with black and red designs of universal symbolic significance: the "stairway to heaven" and clouds, the chessboard, the spiral (symbol of fertility) and the lightning sign, which heralds rain (on the left leg). Height: 8.04 inches. Casas Grandes (Mexico), ASM.
ASM = Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson (Arizona)

The spiral and swastika are universal signs. They are found in the megalithic architecture on Malta, on African pottery, in Carnac, in the heart of the Sahara, and in the petroglyphs and pottery of the Southwest, such as that of the Anasazi pot. Black on white, 17.2 inches high, MNA.
MNA = Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff (Arizona)

The spiral and swastika are universal signs. They are found in the megalithic architecture on Malta, on African pottery, in Carnac, in the heart of the Sahara, and in the petroglyphs and pottery of the Southwest. A shallow bowl in the shape of a turtle shell. Length: 6.16 inches. Casas Grandes (Mexico), AFM.
AFM = Amerind Foundation Museum, Dragoon (Arizona)

On pottery as well as in pictogra phs universal signs are found over and over: zig-zag lines (representing lightning), tadpole or frog (water), the triangle, dot, etc. - Mimbres bowl, black on white. Diameter: 14.24 inches. HMP.
HMP = Heard Museum, Phoenix (Arizona)

On pottery as well as in pictogra phs universal signs are found over and over: zig-zag lines (representing lightning), tadpole or frog (water), the triangle, dot, etc. - Mimbres bowl, black on white, stylized insects and parallel lines. Diameter: 18.28 inches. UCM.
UCM = University of Colorado Museum, Boulder (Colorado)

Historic Pueblo pottery has, to a large extent, retained the formal vocabulary of the prehistoric pots. - Hopi pot, made in 1935 by the Nampeyos, husband and wife. Polychrome, 14.56 inches diameter. Polacca (Arizona), MNA.
MNA = Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff (Arizona)

Historic Pueblo pottery has, to a large extent, retained the formal vocabulary of the prehistoric pots. - Zuni pot with the "heartline" motif in the body ofthe deer, approximately 11.2 inches diameter. 19th century. MNA.
MNA = Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff (Arizona)

Historic Pueblo pottery has, to a large extent, retained the formal vocabulary of the prehistoric pots. - Hopi pot, lower arm and hand with one finger only indicated, made between 1628 and 1750. Diameter: 10 inches. ASM.
ASM = Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson (Arizona)

Historic Pueblo pottery has, to a large extent, retained the formal vocabulary of the prehistoric pots. - Pottery bowl with feather design (comparable to the painted Mimbres pot on page 160). Made in about 1957 by Maria Martinez, one of the best known contemporary Pueblo potters, from Pueblo San Ildefonso, New Mexico. Diameter: 11.88 inches.
MNA = Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff (Arizona)

Hohokam clay figurines, found at many large archaeological sites, ASM. - Two ochre-colored deer. Length: 5.2 inches
ASM = Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson (Arizona)

Hohokam clay figurines, found at many large archaeological sites, ASM. - Two big-horn sheep with geometric designs in red; the eyes are greatly emphasized. Height: 6.4 inches
ASM = Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson (Arizona)

Anasazi pottery - Crudely finished pot; gray, outer and inner surfaces lightly polished; 8.4 inches diameter. Kayenta Branch, ASM
ASM = Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson (Arizona)

Anasazi pottery - Pitcher with handle, black on white, with geometric designs. Height: 5.48 inches. MNA
MNA = Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff (Arizona)

Hopi pot, black on ochre, cylindrical shape, with stylized bird design, made about 1930. Height: 9.6 inches. MVM.
MVM = Mesa Verde National Park Museum (Colorado)

Water jug (olla), with incised lines typical of the black-an-white pottery of Mesa Verde. The thongs fastened around it are of yucca for ease of canying. Diameter: 14.4 inches. Wetherill Mesa, Mesa Verde, MVM.
MVM = Mesa Verde National Park Museum (Colorado)

Hohokam pottery with geometric and naturalistic designs. - Flat bowl, red on ochre. Diameter: 12 inches. HMP
HMP = Heard Museum, Phoenix (Arizona)

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Céramique Chavin représentant une chauve-souris (collection W. Pelloni, Lima).

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Le vase à étrier, créé par les artisans Chavin, fut employé jusqu'à l'arrivée des Espagnols en Amérique du Sud. Le récipient est orné d'une gravure qui représente un condor très schématisé (collection W. Pelloni, Lima).

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La civilisation Nazca, qui s'est développée au début de notre ère dans le sud du Pérou, a livré aux archéologues de très nombreuses poteries, d'une qualité exceptionnelle et couvertes de dessins polychromes (collection W. Pelloni, Lima).

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On doit aux potiers Mochica une multitude de vases portraits en terre cuite d'un réalisme saisissant (collection W. Pelloni, Lima).

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Les potiers indiens n'ont jamais connu l'usage du tour. Ils sont cependant capables de confectionner de très beaux objets utilitaires ou décoratifs que l'on peut acquérir sur l'un ou l'autre des marchés de la Cordillère. . - Quinua près de Ayacucho. - 1969

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Une potière Shipibo porte les dernières retouches à une énorme jarre en terre cuite couverte de dessins géométriques qu'elle vient de fabriquer. - Paococha près Pucallpa (département d’Ucayali). - 1969

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Les tombeaux pillés des Nazcas (IIIe - VIIIe siècle) du Pérou méridional ont livré des milliers de huacas polychromes, figuratifs ou abstraits, qui forment une véritable «encyclopédie par l'image». Par la finesse de la pâte, la perfection des formes et la stylisation poussée du dessin, la céramique nazca relève d'un art inimitable qui rend hommage aux défunts et aux dieux. (Collection privée, Lima, Pérou.)

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Exhumés des sables du Pérou septentrional, plus de 100.000 huacas à anse-étrier décrivent de façon réaliste et vivante la vie quotidienne des Mochicas d'il y a deux mille ans. Comme en témoigne ce guerrier agenouillé, coiffé d'un casque matelassé de coton et décoré de spirales, avec de gros rouleaux d'or aux oreilles et un bouclier au bras. (Collection privée, Lima, Pérou.)

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C'est par la gueule ouverte sur des crocs aigus que s'échappe la fumée des offrandes (résine ou suif de lama brûlés) de cette lampe à encens en céramique, en forme de puma (Tiahuanaco, 667 ap.J.C.). (Haute 20 cm - Museo del Instituto nacional de Arqueologia, La Paz, Bolivie.)

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En forme de fausse cloche, ce très beau kero à libations en céramique nous dévoile le faciès autoritaire d'un Pakaje de la noble caste solaire des hommes-condor de Tiahuanaco. Hauteur: 16 centimètres. (Museo del Instituto Nacional de Arqueología, La Paz, Bolivie.)

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La macka est la forme la plus caractéristique de l'aryballe des Incas. De corps sphérique et base conique, flanquée de deux anses basses latérales, la jarre est en outre pourvue, sous le col sphérique, d'une petite tête en relief qui a pour but de retenir la corde avec laquelle l'Indien transporte ba poterie pleine sur son dos. Celle-ci, mise au jour en Equateur, est unique en son genre par le décor géométrique et zoomorphe exceptionnel (hauteur: 23 centimètres). (Museo del Banco central, Quito, Equateur.)

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Cruche cérémonielle de Huacaypata, l'antique place sacrée du Cuzco inca. Haute de 28 centimètres, de ravissantes tonalités soulignent les anses-jaguars et les deux serpents allongés qui encadrent un harmonieux panneau géométrique. (Museo e Instituto de Arqueologia de la Universidad nacional del Cuzco, Pérou.)

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La couleur noire de cette bizarre céramique carrée est caractéristique du style Chimú tardif - transition Tallan du Nord péruvien (1470-1532). Elle représente deux colicas, des «magasins» à grains (hauteur: 22 centimètres). (Museo arqueologico Brüning, Lambayeque, Pérou.)

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Ce très élégant vase à fleur de Limapampa, mis an jour en 1928 très près du Coricancha de Cuzco, sur la Rimac Pampa, réunit plusieurs des motifs décoratifs chers aux Incas: la grande fleur de kantuta, la tête de Puma et une ronde hiératique de Vierges du Soleil qui se donnent la main, où perchent des oiseaux. Il n'existe an Pérou que deux ticachuranas de ce type (hauteur: 34centimètres). (Museo e Instituto de Arqueologia de la Universidad nacional del Cuzco, Pérou.)

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Sur fond d'azur dilué, deux napas, lamas blancs aux longs cous croisés, totems des Collas du lac Titicaca, décorent cette céramique plate à deux anses. Elle daterait de la conquête inca (1300-1470) des tropicales vallées boliviennes. (Instituto nacional de Arqueologia, La Paz, Bolivie.)

The legends are only available in German, French or Spanish
Cette coquille spiralée d'escargot est une céramique inca de l'Equateur. Elle contient un petit récipient dont l'ouverture mesure 4,5 centimètres de diamètre. Largeur 18 cm - hauteur 9 cm (Museo del Banco central, Quito, Equateur.)

The legends are only available in German or Spanish
Keramik-Räuchergefäß in Raubkatzenform (20 cm Höhe) der Tiahuanaco-Kultur (4. Epoche, 667 n. Chr.). Der Schwanz ist als Henkelgriff geformt, und der in der Rückenschale entfachte Rauch entweicht durch die Augen. Instituto Nacional de Arqueología, La Paz, Bolivien. - 1976

The legends are only available in German or Spanish
Keramikstandbild Naymlaps, des mythischen Gründers des Chimúreiches (Höhe 18 cm). Museo Arqueológico Brüning, Lambayeque, Peru. - 1976

The legends are only available in German or Spanish
Fussschale aus der Kultur Tuncahuán-Carchi mit Vogelmotiv (Durchmesser 21 cm, Höhe 8,5 cm). Museo del Banco Central del Ecuador, Ouito. - 1976

The legends are only available in German or Spanish
Vase der Panzaleo-Kultur mit Negativornament (Durchmesser oben 13,5 cm, Höhe 19 cm). Die Panzaleo-Kultur blühte in den Provinzen Tungurahua und Cotopaxi zwischen 500 v. und 500 n. Chr. Museo del Banco Central del Ecuador, Ouito. - 1976

The legends are only available in German or Spanish
Anthropomorpher Krug aus der Zweiten Phase der Atacama-Kultur (Höhe 19 cm) in der typischen schwarzen Keramik. Museo San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. - 1976

The legends are only available in German or Spanish
Huaco oder Steigbügelgefäß aus der Küsten-Chavín-Kultur, Chiclayotal, Peru (Höhe 23 cm). Chamäleon oder Katzenwesen in der für Chavín charakteristischen schwarzen Keramik. Museo Arqueológico Brüning, Lambayeque, Peru. - 1976

The legends are only available in German or Spanish
Mit Körnern gefüllte «Rumbakugel» in Vasenform mit anthropomorphem Hals und zwei aufgesetzten Äffchen. Santa-Keramik der Huari-Epoche (Höhe 21 cm). Museo Regional de Ancash, Huaraz, Peru. - 1976

The legends are only available in German or Spanish
Gefäß mit Doppelausguß und Bügelhenke der Nazca-Kultur. Die in der Klassischen Epoche des vorkolumbischen Peru zwischen 100 und 800 n. Chr. in den Küstentälern von lca, Pisco und Nazca blühende Kultur beeinflusste mit ihrer hervorragenden Keramik mit leuchtenden Farben sowohl die umliegenden Gebiete wie spätere Kulturen bis hin zu den Inka. Museo Regional de lca, Peru. Fundort Cuahuáchi, Nazca. - 1969

The legends are only available in German or Spanish
Gefäss in «Reitergestalt» der Cañari, Provinzen Cañar und Azuay, Ecuador (Höhe 16 cm). Periode der Integration, 500 bis 1400 n. Chr. Museo del Banco Central del Ecuador, Quito. - 1976

The legends are only available in German or Spanish
Krug der Moche mit Mann und Haus auf kubischem Körper. Die Kultur der Mochica, manchmal auch Proto-Chimú genannt, blühte an der Küste Nordperus, um Trujillo, etwa gleichzeitig mit der Nazca-Kultur im Süden. Die Töpfereien der Mochica sind geradezu ethnologische Dokumente, geben sie doch alle Einzelheiten des täglichen Lebens wieder. Privatsammlung, Schweiz. - 1977

The legends are only available in German or Spanish
Vase in Form eines Knienden der Vicús-Kultur, Nordperu. Vicús wird als Etappe des Experimentierens, zeitlich als Spätform der Formativen Periode angesehen, da in der Töpferei die verschiedensten Formen und technischen Lösungen erscheinen. Privatsammlung, Lima, Peru. - 1969

The legends are only available in German or Spanish
Ein typisches Gefäß der Inkakultur, ein sogenannter Aryballus des Typs A (Höhe 34 cm Mitte 13. Jahrhundert) des Küsten-Inka-Stils aus dem Icatal. Die Malereien variieren je nach Region. Museo Regional de lca, Peru - 1976

The legends are only available in German or Spanish
«Der Kokakauer». Tonfigur (Höhe 32 cm) der Carchi-Kultur, Provinzen lmbabura und Carchi, Ecuador. Museo del Banco Central del Ecuador, Quito. - 1976

The legends are only available in German or Spanish
Vase in Form einer Stillenden (Höhe 24.5 cm) der Carchi-Kultur, Ecuador. Museo del Banco Central del Ecuador, Quito. - 1976

A Shipibo woman from the village of San Francisco near Pucallpa wears a typical clay pot painted with geometric patterns. - 1969

Ceramic Inca Costeño - water carrier with monkeys - height 18 cm - original from the Nazca Valley, around 1370 - the container on the left is a potato - Museo Regional de Ica - 1969

Huaco Inca on the north coast - with a dead man - Anthropological Museum - Lima - 1969

Double jug with monkeys - Inca costeño - height 17 cm - around 1370 - Museo Regional Ica - 1976

Inca Norteño - Black ceramic - length 26 cm - Museo Brüning Lambayeque - 1976

Ceramic container in the shape of a house - height 23.5 cm - on the bottom side with a puma head - Inca Culture - Museo Banco Central Quito - 1976

Glossy black ceramic - Head - height 29 cm - Chimú-Inca - Museo Brüning Lambayeque - 1976

Ceramic - Snake with decorations - length 39 cm - Inca norteño - Pacha type for water worship - Brüning Lambayeque Museum - 1976

Inca ceramic - height 13 cm - Museo Banco Central Quito - 1976

Inca vessel in the shape of a human head with stylized braids - height 17 cm - Cuzco area - Cuzco Archaeological Museum - 1976

Black ceramic - Chicha charger - Chimú-Inca - Origin Lambayeque Region - Brüning Lambayeque Museum - 1976

Jar with head - Inca costeño - Nazca Valley - height 18 cm - around 1370 - Regional Museum of Ica - 1976

Huaco with truncheon (star to hunt) - Chimú-Inca - height 17 cm - Brüning Lambayeque Museum - 1976

Jar - Tallán to Inca transition - 1470 to 1532 - Late Chimú - height 25 cm - Brüning Lambayeque Museum - 1976

Aríbalo - Imperial Inca - around 1470 - height 22 cm - National Museum of Archeology - La Paz - Bolivia - 1976

Aríbalo - Inca culture - around 1470 - Regional Museum of Ica - 1976

Aríbalo with tassels - Inca Norteño - height 19 cm - Museo Brüning Lambayeque - 1976

Inca ear ornament - Cuzco region - diameter 43 mm, thickness 2 cm - Museo de Oro del Peru, Lima - 1977

Kero of polychrome ceramic - Inca - height 13 cm - Museo Banco Central Quito - 1976

Character representing the Inca with offerings - Inca culture 1300-1400 - Height 21 cm - Museo Nacional de Arqueología del Instituto Nacional de Arqueología - Bolivia - 1976

Abstract anthropomorphic bottle - Second phase of the Atacameña culture - Height 18,5 cm - Museum San Pedro de Atacama (Antofagasta province) - Chile - 1976

Two anthropomorphic bottles, naturalistic left 19 cm, abstract right 18,5 cm - Second phase of the Atacameña culture - Museum San Pedro de Atacama (Antofagasta province) - Chile - 1976

Vessel Incisa - diameter 18,5 cm - Atacameña culture, last period of the second phase - Museum San Pedro de Atacama (Antofagasta province) - Chile - 1976

Bowl with monkeys - Tuncahuan culture - 500 BC to 500 AD - negative painting of beeswax and honey - diameter 19cm, height 8.5cm - Museo Banco Central Quito, Ecuador - 1976

Pre-Columbian pottery - Ceramics Jama-Coaque culture (coast) - Height 39,5cm - Museo Banco Central del Ecuador, Quito - 1976

Pre-Columbian pottery - Ceramics Bahia culture - Manabi province - Height 64cm - Museo Banco Central del Ecuador, Quito - 1976

Ceramics of the culture Tacalshapa in the provinces of Azuay and Cañar, Ecuador - Integration period from 500 to 1400 A.D. - Height 16 cm - Museo Banco Central Quito - 1976

Ceramics of the culture Tacalshapa in the provinces of Azuay and Cañar, Ecuador - Integration period from 500 to 1400 A.D. - Height 23 cm - Museo Banco Central Quito - 1976

Vessel for grave goods - Tiahuanaco culture - year 667 to 1000 - height 18 cm - Museo Nacional de Arqueología del Instituto Nacional de Arqueología - Bolivia - 1976

Grave vessel of the Tiahuanaco culture 5th period - year 1000 to 1100 - height 12 cm - Museo Nacional de Arqueología del Instituto Nacional de Arqueología - Bolivia - 1976

Ceremonial vessel with a crowned snake - 4th period of the Tiahuanaco culture - years 667 to 1000 - height 8 cm - Museo Nacional de Arqueología del Instituto Nacional de Arqueología - Bolivia - 1976

Ceramic vase with modelled head of a figure from the 4th period of the Tiahuanaco culture - on the cheek a bulge due to the use of coca - the arrows represent the main organs of the person: the visor and the ear - height 14 cm - Museo Nacional de Arqueología del Instituto Nacional de Arqueología - Bolivia - 1976

Vessel with a ceramic portrait of an anthropomorphic head of a figure from the 5th period of the Tiahuanaco culture - the arrows represent the main organs of the person: the sight and the ear - Height 11 cm - Museo Nacional de Arqueología del Instituto Nacional de Arqueología - Bolivia - 1976

Large ceremonial kero - height 47.5 cm - the head is related to the sun gate of Tiahuanaco - 4th epoch - Museo Nacional de Arqueología del Instituto Nacional de Arqueología - Bolivia - 1976

Vessel in Tiahuanaco style - Height 12 cm - Place of discovery: Pukará de Quitor (province Antofagasta) - Museum San Pedro de Atacama - Chile - 1976

Chavín Culture ceramics with a bird - Private collection, Lima - 1969

Typical ceramics of the Chavín culture - Private collection, Lima - 1969

Ceramic Huaco of the Chavín Culture - Private collection - Lima - 1969

Coastal ceramics influenced by the Chimú culture - Height 16 cm - Museo Regional de Ancash - Huaraz - 1976

Black, shiny ceramics of the Chimú-Inca culture - height 29 cm - Museo Arqueológico Brünning - Lambayeque - 1976

Bottle with double spout and bridge from the Nazca culture depicting a Nazca god - age ca. 1700 years - height 22 cm - found in the Hacienda Cahuachi - Department Ica - Regional Museum of Ica - 1969

Bottle with double spout and bridge from the Nazca culture depicting a Nazca god - age ca. 1700 years - height 22 cm - found in the Hacienda Cahuáchi - Department Ica - Regional Museum of Ica - 1969

Ceramic drinking vessel of the Nazca culture in the shape of a fish - Museo Regional de Ica - 1969

Nazca culture ceramic bottle - Museo Regional de Ica - 1969

Nazca culture ceramic bottle representing a monkey - Museo Regional de Ica - 1969

Bottle with double spout and bridge from the Nazca culture - Private collection, Lima - 1969

Nazca culture ceramic vase - Private collection, Lima - 1969

Vicús culture ceramic vase - Museo Regional de Ica - 1969

Ceramic of the Mochica culture - Private collection - 1969

Ceramic huaco of the Chimú culture - Private collection - Lima - 1969

Ceramic huaco of the Mochica culture - Private collection - Lima - 1969

Ceramic huaco with a toucan - culture Mochica - Private collection - Lima - 1969

Big pot with cat relief - tricolour - 3 cats with body and head - found in Jancu near Huaraz, Ancash - culture Recuay - Regional museum of Huaraz - 1976

Huaylas ceramics - Representation of the sun deity on the back. Height 17,5 cm - Place of discovery Jancu near Huaraz, Ancash - Museo Regional de Huaraz - 1976

Ceramic vessel Huaylas with a cat-like creature in negative painting - Height 23 cm - Place of discovery Jancu near Huaraz - culture Recuay - Museo Regional de Huaraz - 1976

Ceramics of the culture Santa, Huari period, with two monkeys and snakes with human head - Height 20,5 cm - Museo Regional de Huaraz - 1976

Ceramics of the culture Santa, Huari period, with two monkeys and a musician playing on the zampoña - on the vessel a stylized cat animal is painted - Height 26 cm - Museo Regional de Huaraz - 1976

Tiahuanaco culture ceramic vessel - Private collection Pelloni - Lima - 1969

Plate of the coastal Tiahuanaco culture - Nazca valley - 11th century - diameter 26 cm - Regional Museum of Ica - 1976

Coastal Tiahuanaco - Vessel with anthropomorphic representation of a warrior - Nazca valley - Height 32 cm - 10th century - Ica Regional Museum - 1969

Coastal Tiahuanaco - Vessel with anthropomorphic representation of a warrior - Nazca valley - Height 32 cm - 10th century - Ica Regional Museum - 1976

Ceramics of the coastal Tiahuanaco culture in the form of a man (priest?) with a Kero in his hands - 11th century - Nazca Valley - Museo Regional de Ica - 1976

Archaeological discoveries have been numerous in the northwestern provinces of Argentina. The picture shows a female figure in terracotta, 31 centimetres high. This object belongs to the Condorhuasi culture (Museo Calchaquí, Catamarca). - 1973

The object shown here is a polished, red clay vase with black decorations and a vertical handle. Its diameter is 13 centimetres. It belongs to the Inca Paya culture (Museo arqueológico de Cachi, province of Salta). - 1973

Humahuaca in the north of the Jujuy Province - the boy Juanito is sitting on a Coca Cola box and selling his pottery. - 1973

Ceramics of the Chorotega Indians from the island of Ometepe in Lake Nicaragua. This is the world's largest volcanic island in a freshwater lake with about 270 km². - Height of the pottery 38 cm. - 1977

A load of pottery is carried for sale in the market of Chichicastenango. - 1972

Pottery, wooden chairs and decorated wooden chests are offered for sale at the Sunday market in Chichicastenango. - 1977

Potters' corner at the Sunday market in Chichicastenango, Guatemala. This fair allows the inhabitants to buy or sell the products of the soil and handicrafts. The Indian woman looks longingly at the objects she has decided to buy. - 1977

The Church of the Calvary in Chichicastenango occupies the other end of a large square dominated by the temple erected to Santo Tomas. Twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays, a market is held in this square, attended by thousands of Indians from the region. This feria has become a real tourist attraction. The staircase of the Church of Calvary, like that of the temple of Santo Tomás, is a place of offerings where the natives like to gather. They burn pieces of copal and recite prayers to their gods. - 1977

A small pot from the Maya culture made of clay. It is a polychrome almost cylindrical bowl in the style of Tepeu I from the Petén. Diameter 12 cm, height 13 cm. - Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnología de Guatemala en Ciudad de Guatemala - 1977

A polychrome pot of the Maya culture made of clay. It is a Magdalena phase bowl with human motifs and hieroglyphics. The place of discovery is San Agustín Acasaguastlán. Diameter 14.3 cm, height 20.5 cm. - Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnología de Guatemala en Ciudad de Guatemala - 1977

Funerary vase from temple no. 1 in the ruins of Tikal, Guatemala. It is a polychrome ceramic vessel with a height of 29.8 cm and a diameter of 17.3 cm. This beautiful example dates back to 700 AD. (Museo Nacional de Tikal). The vase represents two figures. One of them is seated; he seems to occupy a particularly important place in the social hierarchy of his group judging by the way he is dressed and the monumental headdress he wears. A number of hieroglyphs and essentially symbolic decorations can also be seen on this pottery, which are closely related to the scene depicted. These signs make it possible to date the funerary vessel with a fair degree of accuracy. Indeed, archaeologists have come to the conclusion that the vessel is about 1300 years old. The colours used are extremely delicate and show both the taste and the incomparable mastery of pre-Columbian artists. The manufacturing techniques were nevertheless very basic, as the Indians did not know how to use a lathe. The method known as the "colombin", known to other populations of the continent, was very widespread among the ancient Maya. It is still used today in many parts of the American continent. It consists of using small clay rods which, when welded together, make it possible to create the desired container. - 1977

Burial vase from temple no. 1 in the ruined fields of Tikal in Guatemala. It is a multi-coloured ceramic of 29.8 cm height. The diameter of the opening is 17.3 cm. This beautiful piece is thought to have been made around 700 AD and is in the Museo Nacional of Tikal. The vase shows two people, one of whom is seated and seems to occupy a high rank in the hierarchy of the community, judging by her clothing and the powerful headdress she wears. One also notices a number of hieroglyphs and symbolic decorations closely related to the scene depicted. These signs make it possible to determine fairly precisely when the vase was made. Archaeologists believe that it must be about 1300 years old. - 1977

Polychrome terracotta vase from the Late Classic Maya period (Chama style) probably representing a priest wearing an impressive headdress made of rainforest bird feathers. This example is 21 cm high; the diameter of the opening is 13 cm (Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnología de Guatemala). Maya ceramics, of which a great number of samples have been collected, went through four stages of evolution, from the simplest and most utilitarian forms to more and more complicated, even baroque, ritual vessels and anthropomorphic pieces representing clergy or nobility. Other clay pieces are in the form of mythological animals. The study of these ceramics and their ornamentation has enabled specialists to supplement the information obtained from excavations carried out in the different regions occupied by the Maya throughout the pre-Columbian period. - 1977

Polychrome ceramic plate from tomb no. 33 at Tikal. The interior shows a person dressed in jaguar skin. Diameter 30.5 cm, height 10 cm. - Museo Nacional de Tikal, Guatemala. - 1977

Ceramic plate from tomb no. 33 at Tikal. The figure represents the deity Tchac. Diameter 48 cm. - Museo Nacional de Tikal, Guatemala. - 1977

Neolithic ceramic pot from the valley Barh El Gazal near the village Kouba Olanga in the region Borkou - Chad - 1967

These prehistoric pottery shards and bones come from the Adrar Bous area - West Ténéré - Niger - 1975

This beautiful pottery from Niger is characteristic of Neolithic ceramic art. The beautiful decoration obtained with the help of a comb attests to a sure taste and a lively originality. The extraordinary importance of the discovery of the arts of fire must be emphasised. Previously, man prepared his food in a summary way, but once he had a fireproof container, he had a strong influence on himself by enriching his food more and more. The invention of ceramics marks a turning point in human history. Until then, it was the biotope that conditioned man; but from the moment he transformed what he drew from this biotope, he modified it more and more profoundly. (IFAN collection, Dakar, Senegal) - 1969

The pottery is little known, but the beautiful piece from Ehi Mounto (Niger), 25 centimetres high, proves that the craft had reached an unusually high degree of perfection, at least in some places, far from being in decline. The black, very homogeneous clay had made it possible to produce a pottery in which the wall thickness did not exceed 3 millimetres at half height! (IFAN Collection, Dakar, Senegal) - 1969

The city of Timbuktu is located about 12 kilometres north of the Niger River, which flows past in a large arc from the Massina region in a south-westerly direction. - Selling ceramics at a market in Timbuktu. - Mali - 1969

Near Surakarta, also known as Solo, a historic city in Central Java. Pottery is one of the oldest crafts in Indonesia, with important centres in East Java (such as Tulungagung, Blitar and Kediri) and near Yogyakarta (Kasongan village). The picture shows a man transporting large traditional clay pots on his bicycle, which is a common method of transporting goods in rural areas. - 1990

Near Surakarta, also known as Solo, a historic city in Central Java. Pottery is one of the oldest crafts in Indonesia, with important centres in East Java (such as Tulungagung, Blitar and Kediri) and near Yogyakarta (Kasongan village). The picture shows a man carrying large traditional clay pots on a shoulder yoke, which is a common method of transporting goods in rural areas. - 1990

A street vendor selling traditional earthenware pots at the market in Jodhpur. The woman is wearing a traditional, colourful costume, as well as eye-catching arm and foot jewellery. The large, round, light-coloured vessels are traditional Indian water pots, known as matkas. These unglazed pots use evaporative cooling to keep drinking water cool naturally during the hot summer. In the foreground are stacks of smaller, reddish-brown clay bowls and pots, painted with delicate black and white patterns. These are often used for storing food, dairy products such as yoghurt (dahi), or as cooking vessels. Hand-woven mats or fans (probably made from palm leaves) are also on sale. – 1990

A potter (Kumhaar) in Rajasthan shaping ceramic vessels on a traditional, hand-operated potter’s wheel made of clay. The potter uses a heavy wheel made of stone or hardened clay, which is often set in motion with a stick. Natural clay is used to create vessels such as cups, jugs and pots. – Khuri – 1990

At the market in Jaisalmer, we see an impressive collection of traditional, handcrafted clay pots known as matkas. These unglazed clay pots have been used for centuries for the natural cooling and storage of drinking water and food. – The pots are expertly stacked in a sturdy structure to air-dry before being fired in the kiln. – 1990

A large collection of hand-painted clay water pots, known as matkas in Indian culture. Matkas utilise the principle of evaporative cooling. Through the microscopic pores of the unglazed clay, a minimal amount of water seeps out and evaporates, keeping the remaining water inside pleasantly cool even in intense heat. The pots are decorated with characteristic patterns. These include geometric shapes such as zigzag lines, waves, dots and bands of lines, usually applied in white, black and reddish earth tones. The production of these vessels is a craft dating back thousands of years, passed down from generation to generation. Each pot is shaped on the potter’s wheel and then artistically painted by hand. – Jaisalmer – 1990

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