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Navajo pitch pottery is a
low temperature fired ceramic and dark areas or "fire clouds" result from
and are a "signature" of the traditional firing process that
uses sheep dung or wood as fuel. Most Navajo pottery is coated with the
pitch of pinon trees, (any of several small pines with edible seeds),
that gives it the glossy finish, for the original purpose of waterproofing
the pot. Traditional designs of corn, ye'iis, cactus, and geometric designs
are appliquéd and incised on Navajo pottery. Some artists, like
Betty Manygoats, her family members, and others favor the horned toad,
a lizard, that has significance in Navajo lore and legend. |