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: 
Using paddle on third 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.
Using water to attach the coil
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.
Forming the third of the pots
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.
Ashes used to prevent stickiness
Community
Photograph Collection, Tohono O'Odham Nation
Category
Lands and Ecological Knowledge, Pottery and Basketry
Summary
Tohono O'odham polychrome pottery making study with Rupert Angea by Helga Teiwes.
Establishing an even base
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.
Rough polishing
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.
Adding more water
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.
Blending the coil into the 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.
Attaching the coil to the rim
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.
Paddling the pot back into shape
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.
Neck and rim formation
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.
Checking for symmetry
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.
Making sure the rim is even
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.
Adding more water
Community
Photograph Collection, Tohono O'Odham Nation
Category
Lands and Ecological Knowledge, Pottery and Basketry
Summary
Tohono O'odham polychrome pottery making study with Rupert Angea by Helga Teiwes.
Examining the two finished vessels
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.
Adjusting the symmetry
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.
Final corrections to the shape
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.
Rough polishing while still wet
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.
Rough polishing of the neck
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.
Rough polishing of the rim
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.
Rough polishing of the vessel
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.
Gathering white clay
Community
Photograph Collection, Tohono O'Odham Nation
Category
Lands and Ecological Knowledge, Pottery and Basketry
Summary
Tohono O'odham polychrome pottery making study with Rupert Angea by Helga Teiwes.
Rough polishing of the 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.
Examining the rim
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.