Book - Acoma & Laguna Pottery [SOLD]

Acoma & Laguna Pottery

by Rick Dillingham with Melinda Elliot

1992, softcover.

This copy is autographed by the author.

From the back cover:

The Pueblos of Acoma and Laguna have long been recognized for their superb handmade pottery. During the last 350 years this pottery has evolved from utilitarian and ceremonial glaze wares to the sophisticated sculptural works seen in today's Indian art market.

Rick Dillingham traces the development of pottery making at the two pueblos—the changing materials, designs, and techniques—through the splendid collection of historic Acoma and Laguna pottery at the School of American Research and interviews with potters, historians, and anthropologists. From the ancient traditions of pottery making at Acoma's “Sky City” to the more recent revival of fine ceramic work at Laguna, the book explores the role and meaning of pottery and potters in Pueblo life.

Dillingham's analysis of the contemporary pottery market is enriched by his own background as both scholar and ceramic artist. An artist talking to other artists, he offers an insightful appraisal of the problems and challenges facing potters in the late twentieth century. His deep appreciation of Pueblo ceramics extends from the prehistoric predecessors of today's traditional potters to the innovative experiments of young potters working in nontraditional materials and styles. The potters themselves provide commentary on Pueblo ceramics old and new, in this first comprehensive and lavishly illustrated history of Acoma and Laguna pottery.