Native American Arts - North America - Hopi Pottery

Hopi pottery is distinguished by its warm yellow - orange slip and polychrome designs.  Natural minerals and vegetables like hematite, red clay, and wild bee plant are used for coloration. Traditional pots are hand built using the coil method.  Firing is done using sheep dung as fuel.  Traditional outdoor firing, as well as the iron content of the clay, produces variations in the yellowish surface color.