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How to Appraise Vintage American Indian Pottery

Finding the value of Native American pottery requires a keen eye and at least a cursory knowledge of tribal artisans, their materials and techniques. Museum gift shops, souvenir shops and antiques stores all carry American Indian pottery and other Native art, and a careful collector knows what to look for when appraising vintage tribal pottery. By learning a few details about American Indian history and throwing pottery, you can appraise Native American pottery yourself (or get a head start on a professional appraisal).

Things You'll Need

Magnifying glass

Instructions

- 1
  Determine the authenticity of the pottery. The United States Department of the Interior passed the Indian Arts and Crafts Act in 1990, which forbids pottery from being labeled ̶0;American Indian̶1; unless a member of a recognized tribe produced it. If the pottery was purchased at a store or from an online site, do research on the store and its record of satisfied customers. Then trace the history of the pottery, locating the state and tribe where it originated. This helps you pinpoint the year the piece was cast and may lead you to the artisan̵7;s name.
- 2
  Inspect the Native American pottery with a magnifying glass to discover pertinent details. If it̵7;s dusty, clean it with a plain cloth and refrain from using liquid cleaners on it, as this may damage any painting or etching on the pot. Look for stains, cracks, scratches or other impairments. This will reduce the value of the piece, regardless of its age.
- 3
  Identify the pottery material. Artisans used substances indigenous to their own tribes or villages. The Zia tribe use red clay, the Acomas white clay and other tribes fashion pots out of materials easily found on their land. For more information, turn to the Indian Arts and Crafts Association (IACA) for specifics on the pottery produced by a particular tribe or artisan.
- 4
  Recognize the technique used to make the pot. Does it appear to be manufactured with thicker material, or does it resemble a thinner, somewhat uneven kiln-baked pot? Handmade spun pottery consists of clay coils pulled into the shape desired , while green ware molded from slip (a clay/water mixture) often has a line where the separate pieces of the pot join.
- 5
  Contact an American Indian art expert for a professional appraisal. You can find names of qualified appraisers through the IACA or American Indian Art Galleries like Indian Territory in California or through the Antique Tribal Art Dealers̵7; Association.

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