Art From Nature

Pearl Sewenewa Red Wicker Basket

Pueblo culture is deeply connected to the natural world, which can be seen in many of the materials used in Pueblo artwork. Many of these materials are unique to New Mexico and the Southwest, such as the micaceous clay that gives pottery a distinctive shimmer. Other artworks, including fetishes carved from antlers or stone, reflect the significance of animals in Pueblo culture through the use of natural materials.

From the iconic stones and shells seen in jewelry and sculpture to the varieties of clay used for pottery, Indigenous artists use materials provided by the Earth to create one-of-a-kind art pieces.

Many of these pieces also reflect the variations found in nature. No two beads or carvings will have the same appearance, each of them retaining their unique, natural appearance. Rather than working against them, artists incorporate these variations into their work and use them to add meaning to the final product. The natural veins and color variations in stones make sculptures and jewelry unique. Conversely, other artworks such as woven baskets or blankets reflect symmetrical patterns found in nature.

When exploring Pueblo art, generations of knowledge about nature and its connection to art can be seen in each artist's unique creations. Knowing about the materials used and their importance in Pueblo culture adds another layer of meaning to these creations.