Antique Native American Pueblo Art Pottery Mug - Good Condition given age, see photos - Measures 4" H x 5" W ... Includes FREE SHIPPING. Note the projected collectibles, vintage, antiques, and memorabilia, U.S. market shows substantial growth on-average 6.5% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) to reach $280 Billion revenue by 2033.
Upon examination it appears to be a rustic, handmade pottery mug that, based on its distinct characteristics similar to the prehistoric American Southwest. While pinpointing the exact creator is impossible for an unsigned artifact, an examination of its form, decoration, and presumed manufacturing techniques allows for an informed attribution to one of the major cultural groups of this region, such as the Ancestral Pueblo, Hohokam, or Mogollon peoples.
The mug's form—a single-handled cup—is a significant clue. Such vessels, while not ubiquitous, are well-documented in the material culture of the Ancestral Pueblo people, particularly those who inhabited the Mesa Verde region during the Pueblo II and III periods (circa 900-1300 CE). These mugs were personal items, likely used for drinking.
The decorative elements on the vessel are particularly revealing. The use of a red-hued paint, derived from iron-rich clay (ochre), on a lighter, buff-colored background is a hallmark of several Southwestern pottery traditions. The prominent zigzag pattern encircling the rim is a classic geometric motif found across different cultures in this area, symbolizing water, lightning, or mountains. Below this, a series of dots are arranged in a circular, almost floral pattern. This combination of geometric and more organic-inspired designs is also characteristic of prehistoric Southwestern art.
The physical properties of the pottery itself offer further insights. The vessel appears to be made from a local earthenware clay, and the slightly uneven surface suggests it was hand-coiled, a traditional method in the region, rather than thrown on a potter's wheel. The noticeable blackening on the bottom and one side of the mug is indicative of its use. This "fire clouding" is the result of direct contact with flames or hot embers during the firing process or from subsequent use in heating liquids or cooking. This detail strongly suggests the mug was a utilitarian object, part of the daily life of its owner.
Based on a synthesis of these observations, the pottery mug most closely aligns with the traditions of the Ancestral Pueblo or possibly the Hohokam culture. The Hohokam, who inhabited present-day Arizona, were renowned for their red-on-buff pottery. However, the mug form is more strongly associated with the Ancestral Puebloans. It is plausible that this piece represents a less common red-on-buff or red-on-brown ware from an Ancestral Pueblo group, or perhaps it reflects trade and influence between these neighboring cultures.
In conclusion, this antique pottery mug is not the product of a known individual but rather the creation of an anonymous artisan from a prehistoric Southwestern culture. It stands as a tangible link to the daily life, artistic traditions, and technological practices of the indigenous peoples of the Americas centuries before European contact. Its history is embedded in its very form and decoration, telling a story of resourcefulness, artistic expression, and the fundamental human need for functional and beautiful objects.
