Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Horsehair Pottery Update

More on the orgins/history of Horsehair Pottery--

A recent comment was just posted on my Flickr Photo Site. ClayHorse, another Flicker potter, has just informed me that she recently learned that Horsehair Pottery was invented by Native Americans of the Southwest as a means to honor their fallen war horses.
Thanks ClayHorse.

Monday, October 02, 2006

Rajah's Horsehair

Another successful raku firing in the Valley. Details to Follow. Stay tuned.

So whats up with horsehair? I'm not sure if this is a true story, myth or what, about the origins of Horsehair Pottery. But, this is what I've been told.

Once upon a time in New Mexico, or there abouts, a beautiful Native American potter was uncovering her earth kiln to see all the wonderful new pots she had created. The pots were still hot, I mean they were HOT, and while she was bending over removing one of the pots her pony tail accidently brushed over the pot. It sizzled and shriveled and burned just enough to leave behind wonderful carbon traces on the pot. And thus, Horsehair pottery was born.

Myth? Fact? I don't know, but it makes one dang good story.

Oh, one last thing--No horses were harmed or mistreated in anyway, shape, or form, in the process of creating this beautiful teabowl.