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: 
Pottery-making implements
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.
Brushing off 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.
Making the rim 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.
Finishing 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 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.
Breaking clay with rock
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.
All the pots are drying
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.
Preparing the hematite
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.
Sifting to remove larger pieces of hematite
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 larger pieces by hand
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.
Sifting hematite by hand
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.