Acoma Pottery

Gray Wolf Trading Post offers a diverse range of Native American ceramic pottery, crafted by talented artists from different tribes. Our collection includes beautifully etched and painted pieces.

We offer exquisite and highly sought-after Acoma Pueblo pottery in both ceramic and hand-built varieties. The ceramic pots are crafted using molds, then meticulously etched and painted by the potter, making them more affordable than the hand-built versions. Hand-built or hand-coiled pots are created through a more labor-intensive process, where the potter collects the clay, constructs and fires each piece, and applies intricate etching and painting.

Our ceramic pottery is made by pouring clay into molds, firing it in a kiln, and then hand-painting and etching it. Known as slip-poured, slip-cast, or simply ceramic, this method allows for the creation of a larger number of pieces, with the artistry showcased in the detailed finishing touches.
In contrast, hand-built pottery involves the potter meticulously crafting each piece, often starting with gathering their own clay. Using the coil and scrape technique, clay coils are stacked, pinched, and sanded to form an even pot wall. The pottery is then etched, fired, and painted. This labor-intensive process results in a higher price point compared to ceramic pottery.

Every design crafted by the potter holds deep significance to their Native American culture. For example, each straight line on an Acoma pot symbolizes a prayer for rain. ^