Southwestern Pottery: Anasazi to Zuni (Paperback)

by Allan Hayes (Author) "THERE'S NOTHING ELSE in the world quite like Southwestern American Indian pottery..." (more)
Key Phrases: wedding vase, micaceous ware, mud toys, Santa Clara, San Ildefonso, San Juan (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Four or five years ago two lifelong friends with a considerable amount of pocket change developed a lust for pueblo pottery. Together they visited the pueblos and villages of the Southwest, bought "insignificant" pieces from potters, traders, shops, and shows, and came up with a stunning collection. The authors write about these pots in a breezy, amusing, but well-informed style. They explain their "cheapskate" buying policy?"If it's over $40, think hard about it"?and tell what to look for in a pot. They also explain regional differences in clay and treatment and provide great maps. After discussing the styles and traditions of the past and their influence, they revisit the pueblos in alphabetical order and discuss each pueblo's style ("Where Acoma and Laguna's bird is a parrot, Zia's is a roadrunner often startled"). The authors claim "Southwestern pottery is not only one of the world's import art forms, it's the most accessible." For those who agree, there's not another book like this slick, smart, up-to-date invitation to collect.?Gay W. Neale, Southside Virginia Community Coll. Lib., Broadnax
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
An art book, a history book, and a reference book showcasing more than 1,100 pots. There isn't a more complete southwestern pottery guide.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Northland (January 25, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873586565
• ISBN-13: 978-0873586566
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 9.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #314,242 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book for beginning collectors. Anyone can do it!, May 4, 1999

By A Customer

This is an outstanding book for the beginning collector. It's informative without being dry, and comprehensive without being boring. The authors show that you don't have to be expert or wealthy to collect SW pottery, and that it's okay to settle for the imperfect. I loved they way they bucked the "common wisdom". These authors convey with great feeling the true joy of collecting SW pottery.

This was my first book on SW pottery. Eleven pottery books later, it's still my best general reference book on the subject.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Indispensable guide to Southwestern Pottery, March 11, 1999

By	Andrew Poupart (Santa Clara, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Easily the most accessible introduction to a vast subject. Collectors are masters of rationalization, and Al Hayes and John Blom have rationalized their passion for collecting Southwestern Pottery by writing this superb book for those who share their addiction. By far the best overview of prehistoric pottery available, this book also thoroughly surveys the contemporary state of this artform in what the authors claim is a new "golden age". This book is rarely in my bookcase, I refer to it so often!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pueblo Pottery 101: Fun, Informative and Down-to-Earth, November 17, 2001

By	John Thomson (Kansas City) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you're new to collecting, or you want to buy just one book about Pueblo pottery, buy this book. Period.

This is the most down-to-earth treatment of this involved subject that you'll find. The authors stress simplicity while encouraging readers to buy what they like and not to overspend. More than that, the authors have practiced what they preach, and the pages of color photographs are a testament to the fact that their approach works. For me, the advice in this book made this beautiful art approachable and affordable.

This book will teach you about the history and basics of the art form and introduce you to the various pueblos and their pots and potters. On top of that, it's well indexed and a great reference book. Most of all, you will enjoy the authors' writing; their style is conversational and pleasant, rather than academic or haughty. It makes for a work that's not only informative, but fun to read. And whether you read this book front cover to back, pick out individual chapters of interest, or simply use it as a reference, it will be worth every penny you pay for it. It's my favorite (and most useful) book on the subject.