Acoma is the longest continuously inhabited place in the United States.

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Acoma

Figure 1: This is the style from the 1950s one might have purchased on the side of the road for $5.00. Its just signed Acoma New Mexico.

Figure 2: I thought this one was little different, its very thin and the color has a unique quality, not signed.

Figure 3: This was the first Acoma bowl I bought for $15.00 signed by B. Victorino.

Figure 4: This is the largest piece, signed by M. Torivio.

Figure 5: Unsigned, I bought this in a junk store.

Figure 6: Thi8s one was a present.

Figure 6: Acoma Pueblo sits on top of a mesa. This is approaching from the east. It is a steep climb up about 300 feet of sheer rock.

Acomai Pueblo is about a one hour drive west of Albuquerque NM. None of these pieces are really collectors itemm but they are basic examples of this style. Right now collectors items are very expensive.

For me these are not very functional, I cannot use them for everyday eating , drinking or to hold flowers. I prefer to purchase more functional pieces. However these pots were functional for the Acoma people. They used them to carry water, store seeeds, and other things.

There is a magic about Acoma pottery that is not equalled anywhere. When you see it and pick it up, you will experience a special spirit to it. These pots are hand made using coils, burnished smooth, painted with a white slip and color and fired.

The first time I was there I found it by discovery while driving on the interstate. We saw a sign for Acoma, Sky City and decided to see it. At that time visitors had to walk up, there was not a road that was usable by anything except a 4 wheel drive vehicle.

The last time I went there was a paved road and a nice bus and a tour that took you around the pueblo, to the Mission San Esteban Rey (c. 1641)and includes timely stops at the homes of available potters who bring out their wares and hope to sell them.

The first piece I bought was $15.00. Most pueblo Indian potters are women. Two famous Acoma potter families are Chino and Lewis. Marie Chino (1907-1982) and Lucy Lewis (1898-1992) were the matriarchs of these potter families and someof their daughters and grand daughters have also become famous for thier pottery.

Acoma is believed to been established in the twelfth century and is considered to be the oldest community continuously inhabited in the United States. It is built on a sandstone mesa over 300 feet high.

If you are driving across New Mexico its a valuable experience to stop and if you can. Its an interesting tour and you can purchase even a small piece of pottery. Its better than a t shirt with some stupid comment on it.