Horse Hair Pottery

More than ten years ago an ancient process of making pottery called horsehair pottery was modified. This pottery is made similar to pottery made in Indian pueblos. That is to say, a mold is prepared, a liquid ceramic slip is poured, and it is dried, and then polished. However, the mold is then returned to the kiln and authentic horsehair is flicked or tossed onto the pieces. The intense heat carbonizes the horsehair, brings it to the surface, and the designs emerge. The hair from the mane makes the thin lines. The hair from the tail makes the thick lines. Finally, the pottery is cleaned and it may be etched. The finished product is a unique and very popular marbleized pottery.