Tohono O'odham Polychrome Pottery Making Study

Tohono O'odham Polychrome Pottery Making Study

Photographs from the Tohono O'odham pottery making process, as photographed by Helga Teiwes.

On June 2nd through 6th, 1980, Helga Teiwes visited Hickiwan Village, Tohono O'odham Indian Reservation, Arizona. It was there that she documented Rupert Angea creating several polychrome pots. The process was documented from the gathering of supplies for the actual pot to the gathering of the materials for the creation of the paint. The polychrome pots that were created were donated to the Arizona State Museum.

About the Photographer

Helga Teiwes worked for the Arizona State Museum from 1964-1993, documenting Southwest American Indian culture and arts, archaeological excavations, and the Museum's collections. Her photographs have appeared nationally and internationally in numerous exhibitions and publications.

Items in Collection: 
Beginning of the black design
Community
Photograph Collection, Tohono O'Odham Nation
Category
Pottery and Basketry
Summary
Tohono O'odham polychrome pottery making study with Rupert Angea by Helga Teiwes.
Black paint
Community
Photograph Collection, Tohono O'Odham Nation
Category
Pottery and Basketry
Summary
Tohono O'odham polychrome pottery making study with Rupert Angea by Helga Teiwes.
Applying the black paint
Community
Photograph Collection, Tohono O'Odham Nation
Category
Pottery and Basketry
Summary
Tohono O'odham polychrome pottery making study with Rupert Angea by Helga Teiwes.
Continued application of the black paint
Community
Photograph Collection, Tohono O'Odham Nation
Category
Pottery and Basketry
Summary
Tohono O'odham polychrome pottery making study with Rupert Angea by Helga Teiwes.
Contemplating the black design
Community
Photograph Collection, Tohono O'Odham Nation
Category
Pottery and Basketry
Summary
Tohono O'odham polychrome pottery making study with Rupert Angea by Helga Teiwes.
Finally removing the pots from the oven
Community
Photograph Collection, Tohono O'Odham Nation
Category
Pottery and Basketry
Summary
Tohono O'odham polychrome pottery making study with Rupert Angea by Helga Teiwes.
Development of the black design
Community
Photograph Collection, Tohono O'Odham Nation
Category
Pottery and Basketry
Summary
Tohono O'odham polychrome pottery making study with Rupert Angea by Helga Teiwes.
Thinning the vessel wall
Community
Photograph Collection, Tohono O'Odham Nation
Category
Pottery and Basketry
Summary
Tohono O'odham polychrome pottery making study with Rupert Angea by Helga Teiwes.
Covering a fire cloud
Community
Photograph Collection, Tohono O'Odham Nation
Category
Pottery and Basketry
Summary
Tohono O'odham polychrome pottery making study with Rupert Angea by Helga Teiwes.
Measuring with fingers
Community
Photograph Collection, Tohono O'Odham Nation
Category
Pottery and Basketry
Summary
Tohono O'odham polychrome pottery making study with Rupert Angea by Helga Teiwes.
Black design being developed
Community
Photograph Collection, Tohono O'Odham Nation
Category
Pottery and Basketry
Summary
Tohono O'odham polychrome pottery making study with Rupert Angea by Helga Teiwes.
Use of the black paint
Community
Photograph Collection, Tohono O'Odham Nation
Category
Pottery and Basketry
Summary
Tohono O'odham polychrome pottery making study with Rupert Angea by Helga Teiwes.
Unevenness of black paint
Community
Photograph Collection, Tohono O'Odham Nation
Category
Pottery and Basketry
Summary
Tohono O'odham polychrome pottery making study with Rupert Angea by Helga Teiwes.
Use of finger to apply paint
Community
Photograph Collection, Tohono O'Odham Nation
Category
Pottery and Basketry
Summary
Tohono O'odham polychrome pottery making study with Rupert Angea by Helga Teiwes.
Removing the windshields from the last firing
Community
Photograph Collection, Tohono O'Odham Nation
Category
Pottery and Basketry
Summary
Tohono O'odham polychrome pottery making study with Rupert Angea by Helga Teiwes.
Removing the lid from the last firing
Community
Photograph Collection, Tohono O'Odham Nation
Category
Pottery and Basketry
Summary
Tohono O'odham polychrome pottery making study with Rupert Angea by Helga Teiwes.
The last pot after the initial firing
Community
Photograph Collection, Tohono O'Odham Nation
Category
Pottery and Basketry
Summary
Tohono O'odham polychrome pottery making study with Rupert Angea by Helga Teiwes.
Removing the last pot from the oven
Community
Photograph Collection, Tohono O'Odham Nation
Category
Pottery and Basketry
Summary
Tohono O'odham polychrome pottery making study with Rupert Angea by Helga Teiwes.
Use of paddle to thin vessel wall
Community
Photograph Collection, Tohono O'Odham Nation
Category
Pottery and Basketry
Summary
Tohono O'odham polychrome pottery making study with Rupert Angea by Helga Teiwes.
Black triangle and scroll design
Community
Photograph Collection, Tohono O'Odham Nation
Category
Pottery and Basketry
Summary
Tohono O'odham polychrome pottery making study with Rupert Angea by Helga Teiwes.
Beginning the black design on another pot
Community
Photograph Collection, Tohono O'Odham Nation
Category
Pottery and Basketry
Summary
Tohono O'odham polychrome pottery making study with Rupert Angea by Helga Teiwes.
Painting turtle
Community
Photograph Collection, Tohono O'Odham Nation
Category
Pottery and Basketry
Summary
Tohono O'odham polychrome pottery making study with Rupert Angea by Helga Teiwes.
Finishing the black design
Community
Photograph Collection, Tohono O'Odham Nation
Category
Pottery and Basketry
Summary
Tohono O'odham polychrome pottery making study with Rupert Angea by Helga Teiwes.
Beginning the black design on the pot with red triangles
Community
Photograph Collection, Tohono O'Odham Nation
Category
Pottery and Basketry
Summary
Tohono O'odham polychrome pottery making study with Rupert Angea by Helga Teiwes.