The Eye of God: Tranquility and Tradition . . . Mata Ortiz Pottery in Harmony with the Ancients

A significant pottery tradition from the ancient city of Paquimé, inhabited between AD 900 and 1450, has been identified as one of the highest forms of prehistoric North American art. This tradition is reflected in the contemporary Mata Ortiz pottery, which draws inspiration from Paquimé's iconography and techniques. The study highlights the cultural continuity and economic impact on the community of Mata Ortiz, where over 400 residents are potters, with some achieving global recognition. However, it also notes a darker historical practice of digging up ancient pots to sell them as new ones, which persists today. The research combines ethnographic observation, archaeological collaboration, and oral history, providing insight into the complex heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stover, P. (2012). The Eye of God: Tranquility and Tradition . . . Mata Ortiz Pottery in Harmony with the Ancients. Journal of the Southwest, 54(1), 159–163. https://doi.org/10.1353/jsw.2012.0008