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Pieces of the Past
Pueblo Pottery
Discoveries of remnants of American Indian pottery in North America
provide a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of Native cultures. Over the
years, archaeologists have found potsherds from as long ago as 30,000 B.C.
These broken bits of pottery prove that American Indians were making and
using clay vessels long before they were leaving written records. The potsherds
also offer clues to how early American Indian pots were made and used.
In the southwestern United States, some ancient potsherds have markings
suggesting that American Indians of that region wove baskets and then lined
them with mud or clay. They put corn or other foods in the clay-lined vessels
and heated them over fire, probably to dry the contents. Over the fire, the
woven basket fibers burned away and the mud or clay hardened, leaving a
durable pot.
Continuing the Tradition
The art of pottery making continues today in pueblos, or Pueblo Indian
communities, in New Mexico and Arizona. Some of these communities can
trace their peoples' history back 2.000 years or more. Their traditions include
methods and styles of pottery making exactly like those of the earliest
southwestern potters, passed down generation to generation. The pottery,
with its connection to the past and its place in modern culture, is admired for
the unique qualities of each piece and for the way each piece embodies both
art and functionality.
Which sentence best expresses Maria Martinez's impact
on the craft of Pueblo pottery making?
1. Martinez helped renew interest in the ancient
art of Pueblo pottery making.
2. Martinez shared the art of pottery making with
her children and grandchildren.
3. Martinez became well known for her ability to
make beautiful and colorful pottery.
4. Martinez was skilled at pottery making and was
contacted by a museum director because of it.