Huastecan Water Pots

When thinking of Mexican pottery, most people visualize the exuberant colors of traditional talavera ceramics.

I love the color as well. However I find these Huastecan pots equally intriguing. Their rough construction and  faded, handpainted decoration is reminiscent of museum pieces, yet they remain a common and relatively inexpensive piece of history. Originally used for water storage the pots have a distinctively concave base for being carried on the head and often display "repairs" of melted wax on their walls. They remain inexpensive because they were produced in the same manner for hundreds of years and it is difficult to discern exactly when each piece was made.  I have used them in client's homes as upper displays in the kitchen, on those high ledges that seem to turn up in every new Southwestern home, and , of course, in bookcases. They offer a piece of my biggest priority in a home: authenticity. Enjoy the pictures and have a great weekend.