The history of pottery in the Native American Culture

The first thing in making pottery is by gathering clay. In some pueblos they bring in the clay and lay it out in the sun for it to dry. Once the clay has been dried they put it into a washtub with enough water and the clay is left their so it can soak for several days and repeated until water is clear. After the clay is finally raw and clean they mash it with their fingers and mix it with water so it can pass through a sieve made of window screen. By sifing the clay it helps to remove rocks that may ruin the pottery. Then when it is ready its mixed with water, clay and tempering agents to form it like bread dough. Back then men didn't shape pottery. They would take a piece of clay and pat it into a tortilla shape. Its pressed into a shallow dish. Next they use a sandpaper, wet cloth and damp fingers to smooth the surface of the vessel. They apply slip after smoothing it and after each application of it, it's rubbed with a polishing stone. They start to decorate it by painting, impressing, carving or sgraffito. The last step is firing.