Mohave Pottery

This volume offers a meticulous look at the ceramic traditions of the Mohave people, blending two complementary viewpoints. One section follows an ethnographic lens, recording the native names for bowls, platters, spoons, and larger cooking vessels, and explaining how everyday objects—such as a water jar or a “duck jar”—fit into daily life and mythic stories. The other part turns to the archaeological side, detailing the materials, firing methods, temper, and decorative patterns that distinguish each form, complete with vivid photographs and illustrations.

The authors worked independently, allowing their observations to intersect where the shapes overlap, yet each brings a distinct focus—cultural function versus technical composition. Listeners will hear vivid descriptions of items like the tall, three‑support cook pot used for steaming maize, and learn how certain designs may reflect contact with outsiders. Together, the study paints a rich picture of a living tradition preserved in museum collections, inviting curiosity about how form, function, and meaning intertwine in Mohave pottery.