SRPMIC traditional Pee Posh potter gives workshop at HHC

SRPMIC traditional Pee Posh potter gives workshop at HHC

July 10, 2017

Christopher Lomahquahu

Gila River Indian News

Community members tried their hand at traditional red-on-buff pottery making at a three-part workshop at the Huhugam Heritage Center on July 1.

The workshop was led by Salt River Pima-Maricopa member Ron Carlos, who took the time to share the art of traditional Pee Posh pottery making with members of the Community.

Carlos talked about the history of Maricopa pottery and how those practices to making red-on-buff pottery have continued with today’s contemporary practices, which is a practice shared by Huhugam people.

The red earthy colors that red-on-buff pottery is known for are representative of the rich content of materials found in the clay.

Some potters take it a step further by giving their pot a fine polish with a stone to give it a smooth shine.

He said one of the most important aspects of pottery relies upon the quality of the clay and where it is found that may take some trial and error.

Clay, which is a rich source of soil, is often hard to dig up, but it results in very fine and artistic finished product.

The workshop walks participants through the preparation process that requires the grinding of clay materials that is sifted and re-sifted again to remove particles like rock and plant vegetation.

Carlos said for beginners working with clay, it can be a difficult medium to work with, but with time and patience, and some imagination, individuals can make some truly creative pieces of pottery.

Many of the participants that came out to the workshop came for a specific purpose to return to their cultural roots and to learn something they have studied by profession.