Navajo Etched Pottery
At Kachina House we carry a vast selection of Native American Navajo pottery, etched and painted by talented artists. Crafted and accented with natural materials we offer unique objects of art and craft.
This ceramic pottery is beautiful and collectible. Ceramic pottery is created through a process by which clay is poured into a mold, handetched and handpainted by the potter, then fired in a kiln. This pottery is referred to as slip-poured, slip-cast, or simply ceramic. Because the potter does not hand build each pot, instead opting for a pot that comes from a mold, there is more time to spend on the etching and painting techniques. This method of creating pottery allows the potter to create many more finished pieces. Etching and painting techniques have improved and the cost for this type of pottery is less than handbuilt or handcoiled pots.
The air-dried ceramic clay pot is painted on a wheel using a damp sponge and commercial paints. While the clay is still soft, designs are incised through the paint layer into the pot. This type of etching is called Sgraffitto. Etched art is done on either red terracotta clay or white gypsum clay and after being fired in a kiln, the resulting design shows either the bright white (gypsum) or the red earth-colored (terracotta) background seen on the various pieces. Navajo pots have the most variety in etching and use symbols for mountains, rain, wings, arrows clouds, staircase of life or altar, prayer feathers, whirlwinds, plants, bear paw, corn, water, lightning, handprints, kachinas, animals, friendship and migration as well as many others. Their etching is beautifully done and each symbol is a prayer to the Great Spirit.
Traditionally, Native American pottery is NOT glazed on the inside. If you put liquid in an unglazed pot it will be absorbed into the clay and seep through as the clay is very porous. If the pot is smooth and very shiny on the inside, like a coffee mug, it is glazed which means you can put liquid in it, but not for a long period of time.
Kachina House is the largest distributor of Native American arts and crafts in Arizona. At our showroom/warehouse in Sedona, AZ, you will find more products on display than we can post on our website. Our products are high-quality and handcrafted; we pride ourselves on offering unique products and the best customer service. If you have questions, we urge you to call us toll free at 800-304-3290 or drop us an email. We always like to hear from our customers.
