Grounded in Clay

This book offers a unique perspective on Pueblo pottery, showcasing over 100 historic pieces and highlighting Native American voices and traditions.

The book Grounded in Clay presents an impressive survey of over 100 historic Pueblo pottery pieces, exploring the deep-rooted connection between this art form and the Native Americans of the Southwest. For centuries, the Pueblo people have crafted beautiful pottery, often adorned with intricate designs that serve both practical and ceremonial purposes. These vessels, essential for cooking, food storage, and water gathering, have been discovered at ancient sites like Chaco Canyon and Mesa Verde, highlighting their cultural significance and historical legacy.

What makes Grounded in Clay particularly remarkable is its emphasis on Native American voices. The content has been carefully selected by Pueblo community members, ensuring that their perspectives and interpretations take precedence over traditional Anglo-American art historical views. More than 60 participants from 21 Pueblo communities, including potters, artists, writers, curators, and community leaders, contributed to the book by choosing pieces from the Indian Arts Research Center and the Vilcek Collection and expressing their thoughts in prose or poetry.

Through magnificent photography, Grounded in Clay not only showcases the extraordinary history and beauty of Pueblo pottery but also reveals the complex narratives and stories that are integral to Pueblo cultures. The contributions from community members illuminate the art form's dual role as both a utilitarian object and a powerful cultural symbol, reflecting the rich heritage and ongoing traditions of the Pueblo people.