How Mata Ortiz Pottery Is Made

In which I travel to the pottery making village of Mata Ortiz in Mexico to learn how they do it.
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CHAPTERS
0:00 Processing Wild Clay the Mata Ortiz Way
5:57 Ancient Casas Grandes Culture Art
7:41 Handbuilding Lessons From Mata Ortiz
19:46 5 Days in Mexico on Expired Passports
21:58 Smoothing and Polishing Pottery
28:58 Finding Roadside Clay in Mexico
31:13 Painting & Decorating Pottery
37:12 The Story of Juan Quezada
40:21 How They Fire Pottery in Mata Ortiz
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[@AncientPottery]

I am already planning my follow up video with more Mata Ortiz pottery. Subscribe to my channel so you don't miss anything www.youtube.com/@AncientPottery?sub_confirmation=1

[@bethbartlett5692]

Outstanding Documentary, par excellence. Enjoy your Explorations and Discoveries ... Beth Bartlett Sociologist/Behavioralist and Historian Tennessee, USA

[@kennethmiller7012]

Please explain what "temper" is and its importance in make pottery.

[@lullasierra1]

Cultural appropriation! You cover over your true motives with words which are acceptable as to what you're really doing. There goes the uniqueness of whatever native people create! its in your history to exploit and exploit whatever it may be. Never give cultural information like this to outisiders is what I tell my relatives. They only want it to exploit because money is what you really want and are getting by copying this unique form of art and receiving money for this video. What doe these people get from you exploiting their art form to the world? Your hits are what you're really after. You just sold out their art form. They will eventuall figure it out.

[@wreshiwelsh7805]

​@@lullasierra1 Im so glad the gentleman took the timeout to do this video. We ALL want to make money.... i believe you are misrepresenting cultural appreciation..... if he wanted to make money to the detriment of, or the exclusion of the original creators or claimed 'he made it' as was done with the steel-pan or steel drum; then it would be cultural appropriation. This was to good a documentary to be sooo negative about it...

[@Dovid2000]

Mata Ortiz pottery is some of the finest pottery samples that you will find anywhere on earth. Amazing!

[@AncientPottery]

True, thanks

[@tuxuhds6955]

Their success was Mara-Oric!

[@cptcosmo]

Looks like they're emulating Hopi Sikyatki polychromatic pottery to me...

[@juanarredondo9763]

not only can you see the process of pottery making, but also some of our culture here, i had a smirk when i saw that they used Jabon Zote (the pink soap), its common knowledge here in Mexico that we use it for almost anything, from washing clothes, to fix some leaks on pipes, even as bait for catfish, and also the typical use of plastic beverage bottles for the fuel like diesel or gasoline, and yes, we are quite the warm hearted people, like the embers of the fire for the pottery or the warm land we live in, thank you for coming to Mexico, hope you also travel to the southern parts where theres even more pottery you might find interesting

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you, I would love to make a video about the pottery of Oaxaca some day. I love Mexico.

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

I’ve been to Mexico and believe me, Mexico is covered up in Angels. I had people go WAY out of their way to help me find my way, or help me when I got sick. They were so incredibly kind to me. Their pottery is just so beautiful! I can’t imagine having the skill to paint like they do. Thank you for bringing us this❤️🤗🐝

[@AncientPottery]

Living near the border most of my life I have a deep love for Mexicans, their culture, food, music, etc. Good people. I am glad you enjoyed the video.

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

@@AncientPottery I surely did! And thanks again❤️🤗🐝

[@steely755]

Frump makes us out to be criminals like him. We're just trying to live a peaceful life. Sorry for a negative comment, but more maga-iaghts need to watch this vid. Thank you, sir, for the awesome video.

[@raisakuperman1760]

I'd love to learn more about these ingredients and techniques for pottery designs ❤ it's so beautiful! 😍

[@joanknotts2764]

Amazing so talented poeple love them iowa USA of America ❤

[@Habitarse]

In Japan those pieces are sold for huge money. This handwork is a huge national treasure and they should have a great studio and working place.

[@susanstone3588]

I cherish my Mata Ortiz pot.

[@AncientAmericas]

I had high expectations for this episode but this was absolutely incredible. Those pots are stunning works of art! Thank you for taking the time to make this episode! Also, I'm pretty sure I can never go to Mata Ortiz because I'll go broke buying up pots.

[@AncientPottery]

I definitely spent a bit on pots, but one of the great things I didn't mention in the video is how affordable the pots are there. Thanks!

[@mirianguimaraes8241]

​@@AncientPottery Isto é sensacional , saber RECONHECER UM BELO TEABALHO ! Meu desejo é conhecer esse lugar e ter condições de trazer alguns exemplares . Esperi do fundo do meu coração um dia poder visitá - los . Estou perplexa com tanta beleza e um trabalho com exelência como o destas pessoas ! Que O NOSSO MARAVILHOSO SENHOR continue abençoando à todos ! 😊 ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@marygaines8878]

Once a year in Mata Ortiz there is a big show and sale. The Art is amazing and includes modern and creative interpretations. I have a mujer embarazada (pregnant woman). All the decorative elements are done freehand. The people are welcoming and kind. There is a clean adobe hotel in town. It is a lovely place to visit & be inspired

[@mrunaliniranganathan4728]

That was one amazing journey. Thankyou to all the potters in Mata Ortiz and to you Andy for sharing the entire process!

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks for watching

[@erichaskell]

What is the most intriguing about Mata Ortiz is that there was this sleepy Mexican town; a gentleman comes along and tells them that pottery is in their DNA and they are all going to become world renown pottery potters. And they did. Amazing.

[@chuckbrasch4575]

Andy I am totally amazed seeing this video! I have been a potter for over 50 years, and a teacher for 35 of those. I had the pleasure of meeting Juan Quezada and Spencer McCallum in 1980 when they came to my area and did a 'demo'....totally fascinating.. I later was lucky enough to buy a pot made someone named Manuel Mora Tena in 2014... I did some personal work using native clays I found in the Mojave Desert and made pottery with it. Thanks again for the excellent video . . .watching for more!

[@heavenly.mystic]

This is my process!!!! I took off my old Windsor screen, put it on an old 20 lb icing bucket and make clay from my yard☺️ I'm so grateful to have found your cchannel!!!

[@AncientPottery]

Excellent. I am glad you found me too

[@heavenly.mystic]

Looks so much like the pottery from my home town of Santa Fe! Excited for a discord!!

[@raisingarizona2008]

Ramos polychrome is some of the finest prehistoric pots I have seen and Mata Ortiz is a testament to that tradition.

[@AncientPottery]

It definitely is

[@mellowmoodify]

Fell asleep watching ancient Egypt, woke up to this. Amazing find, this channel. Subscribed!

[@AncientPottery]

Awesome! Thank you and welcome

[@heathergabriel-fv4qb]

OMG, so much knowledge tucked into a tight hour! Thank you to all that contributed to this video, past and present day. The generosity of spirit, knowledge and experience I see amongst potters continues to amaze me and makes me so grateful to be part of the tribe.

[@AncientPottery]

Truly, it is people like Juan Quezada who are willing to share with others that make the world a better place.

[@rubenskiii]

What makes me so happy is that you showed everything, especially how limited/simple their toolkit is. It's what i tell everyone when they ask me about working with clay: you need absolutely f all, just a will to learn. Everything, from material to tools can be found outside, the material in the ground under your feet, your tools probably as trash on the street.

[@user-vs8bt6dy4e]

I am in such awe of all the wonderful artist that let us watch their beautiful skills! I feel like I was walking through a Museum of all the great masters of pottery . Thank you for this gift you have given to all of us Andy, those of us lucky enough to find your video. Their pottery should be shown all over the world in the great galleries. Thank you, thank you!

[@airstreamwanderings3683]

One of your best videos. I hope this goes viral.

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks Wes

[@rubenskiii]

I hope so too, this is the stuff that needs to go viral.

[@RinoaL]

I liked this video so much I had to download it for archival. This video feels like an important record.

[@SUPERSHELLEYBELLY]

My favorite has to be the black on black pottery. I would love to try making some❤❤

[@AncientPottery]

Yes that would be cool

[@sharonh9239]

That's my favorite too.

[@jevpots]

Yes, I wanted to know how they do the designs after applying the diesel with graphite?

[@sarahjarden8306]

Wow! Wonderful to see how these pots are made. Thank you Andy (and Mrs Andy) and all the potters who allowed you to film to share with the world. Another place on my bucket list to visit.

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks, definitely worth a trip.

[@scp-2348]

Spreading this around for the algorithm. Good work, Andy!

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks for that!

[@jonrettich-ff4gj]

These people are not only superb designers but also are superbly capable of creating the pottery and the surface designs as well. Having been in visual art and design my whole life as well as some experience of potting I am beyond awed. Their control and creativity amazes me. Frequently coil built ceramics have a two dimensional silhouette form as a guide these amazing people go freehand. Thank you so much for sharing their beautiful work and processes

[@MysticNightCalls]

I loved watching this. I lived on the Zuni Reservation in New Mexico and was married to a Zuni man; we made pottery the ancient way much like what you have shown in the video. Brought back so many memories of making pottery and silver and turquoise jewelry. I learned many of the Shiwi ways from my in-laws.

[@willorocks]

Really well done Video Andy! I bet you had an amazing time doing this one! That screening the clay part made me smile. I see some random roots in my clay, and think, hmm not to worry, that will burn right out. Such an amazing process they have. Really enjoyed this video!

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks Will. Lots to learn here for potters of all levels, but yeah, those roots will burn out.

[@noonenowhere6920]

Loved it! Great episode! I'm brand new to pottery making. I discovered this channel and immediately went out and got some clay. I've made a few pieces of greenware now. I'm hooked. Something about the process is deeply therapeutic. A door opened, somewhere inside. Way down there. I've been having dreams about clay. Heartfelt gratitude for your work on this channel Andy. I've truly never been more inspired.

[@AncientPottery]

Welcome aboard! I am glad to hear that you are dreaming of clay like the rest of us.

[@momomunsta8887]

Such beautiful works!

[@AncientPottery]

Indeed

[@avonneave2131]

Incredible designs, stunningly beautiful pottery, really excellent demonstration and production Andy. All the best regards from here on the West Coast side of Australia 🙏🖖🤟🌏🇦🇺🐨👽

[@AncientPottery]

Yes, thank you their work is amazing.

[@anneillerbrun7909]

Thank you so much, best tutorial ever made on Mata Ortiz pottery. I just heard the other day there was a problem when filmers know nothing of the process they're filming. Great job Andy and Mrs.

[@constitutionallyconscious165]

I love the serpent design

[@Gurukittyart]

This is beautiful. Te amo Mecixo ❤❤❤ mi favorito es San Miguel de Allende. I made the journey driving in my van through central Mexico. I love the people so much, they have a culture of love that America doesn’t understand or realize.

[@nomadicroadrat]

Throughout Mexico, Guatemala and Central America pottery makers abound. Go to various parts of Africa, India, and Southeast Asia; one finds similar crafts, be it pottery or woodwork. Each is the finest anywhere in the world. One just has to look and ask. People are kind hearted in general; helping out as best they can. Appreciate the video travelogue. Happy trails

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks

[@VanjaKH]

Thank's for sharing this beautiful video. Exellent art!

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you very much!

[@judithcook5902]

simply stunning work these people are true masers at their craft, thank you Andy for showing the world what can be done with dirt and fire such simple elements in the hands of experts WOW

[@maureensurdez7841]

Very nice presentation. Good editing for a amateur production. Very nice colors. Good focus great content and nice presentation.

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks

[@jpsuperstar]

What an incredible documentary, thank you

[@AncientPottery]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@PrettySure-jq5jn]

These are absolutely stunning! What an exceptionally talented group of artists. 🏵️

[@jamescecil3417]

So looking forward to this Andy!

[@brittanywinn3955]

17 minutes?! And they are SO wonderful!

[@GermanSausagesAreTheWurst]

I accidentally clicked on this video, but I'm glad I stayed to watch. That was a lot more interesting than I thought it would be. You've earned yourself a new subscriber.

[@SUPERSHELLEYBELLY]

❤❤❤ Absolutely beautiful pottery!!!❤❤❤ What a great journey ❤❤❤

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks, yes it was

[@Indigo6g]

Thank you so much for this pottery journey into Mata Oritz. I studies pottery at the University of North Dakota . Several years later I had to opportunity to travel to the Ivory Coast, West Africa and study with the native artist in the region. It was a month long trip and I got to participate in the firing of the pots. This was during mid '80's. I have always been intrigued by the pottery of the southwest region of the country. Thanks again for your tour it really was as if I was helping to make the clay, instead of lifting a 50 lb. bag of clay and mixing.👏👏❤

[@llanitedave]

Beautiful, and thought provoking. This was an interesting journey to watch!

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks Dave, there's a lot in that village to interest a potter. Already planning to return.

[@cherylfarrens7528]

That was awesome.

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you

[@ingasfittipsandeats2965]

Can’t wait!

[@randy-eb5kr]

Great video and beautiful pottery

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you! yes it is

[@michellebogle5428]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video. I have found Mexican people to be a very friendly peoples. It was amazing to watch their creativeness and how very easy it all seemed to them. What a treasure to go and spend time there and get to watch and learn from those wonderful artists. Thank you so very much for taking the time to make this video for our viewing pleasure.

[@ivargasbushcrafts]

I was at the Superstition Mountain Museum in Apache junction, just a couple of weekends ago, they had a special event with Mata Ortiz potters! I even attended one of the firings! Pot was actioned out as soon as it came out of the fire! It was absolutely stunning 😍 Also got this awesome book called The Miracle of Mata Ortiz by Walter P Parks. Pretty amazing how it all came about.

[@samatardavidbndphotofilm]

I went down the pottery rabbit hole the past 24 hrs. Started in Japan, Korea, somewhere in Europe now in Mexico. By the way, these are the most beautiful I have seen so far. Love the style!

[@franward6851]

What a beautiful experience.

[@bluerosaryj9970]

Was just awesome, what a trip.

[@AncientPottery]

Yes it was!

[@glynnphillips9703]

All God's good blessings to you and your family Andy 🎉❤

[@AncientPottery]

thank you

[@Kargoneth]

Such shiny surface finishes.

[@moehoward01]

Stunning art...

[@evelynlamoy8483]

Think you're spot on, on volcanic ash taking the place of Temper. I'm not the best practiced potter in the world, but it seems like conventionally sized grog or temper would not allow for that fine of a polish. Particles would be knocked loose leaving pits and vacuoles the size of a grain of sand. But volcanic ash is so much finer, it can be integrated in at a much finer scale.

[@AncientPottery]

Good point, thanks

[@rahawa774]

Hmm… the KZbin algorithm has finally dropped a gem in my lap!

[@sarajack2241]

l had never heard of Mata Ortiz's pottery. I reaIly enjoyed the video

[@ViKee010]

I’m not a potter but I love art of every kind. I could have just watched this video on the Discovery Channel. That‘s how well it was made. Thank you for this. I look forward to watching your other videos. ✌🏻🤍

[@angeladazlich7145]

I enjoyed that video very much. Thanks Andy!

[@AncientPottery]

Very welcome

[@catherineromero1862]

I have a few of them. They are beautiful and each one that survives the firing, a miracle!

[@alans1816]

Thank you for showing these generous wonderful artists at work!

[@mihailvormittag6211]

👍 Nice to See your Videos again. I had no internet connection for a few days.

[@AncientPottery]

Welcome back!

[@chrisinkansas8507]

Thoroughly fascinating 🙂

[@AncientPottery]

Indeed

[@tminefski]

Weird Uncle Andy, thank you for sharing. We love you!

[@AncientPottery]

My pleasure!

[@mraducostin]

Andy, good man you inspire me! Thank you!

[@awyeagames]

This video was AWESOME

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you

[@rutilopata8294]

Thank you for making my dream come true(minus being there myself;) wonderful video Andy! Love your passion and generousity❤

[@ShawnRitch]

I'm really starting to like this crazy weird uncle of mine lol What a wonderful village you visited. Thanks for sharing :)

[@AncientPottery]

Ha ha. Thanks

[@bagel5085]

I started hunting for wild clay this fall. I was inspired by your videos. After quite a few failures I found a spot with a yellow-gray clay body on a small island in our river. I kayaked there and got 4 five gallon buckets of it. I processed it how you teach but I wasn't having a lot of success. The temper just killed all the plasticity it has to be extremely wet to work in any way and it cracked when drying often. So I re-levegated all of it. Then I went the other way with it. I filtered it through progressively finer filters, testing as I went. My final filter was 25 microns (500 mesh). Extremely fine yet the yield was still above 70% by volume. It took me days just to filter it let alone have it settle and dry enough to test. Having said that I'm waiting for the river to thaw so I can go back out there. It's butter smooth, wet strength is good and it throws like a dream on the wheel. Shrinkage is less than 5% from wet to fired! It's amazing stuff. I haven't had anything crack on me whether it be in drying or firing. My guess is that the Mexican clay there is similar to that spot I found. Low shrinkage and doesn't like temper. I'm sure they're are all kinds of clays with different impurities and percentages of kaolin that the properties vary wildly and need to be treated differently. Note that the clay from the bank of the same river is trash. So two totally different bodies within 100 feet of each other imagine the types of clay found in an area as large as the southwest.

[@sassycassyg]

The all black pieces by Mary Chavira were so beautiful with the shiny/matte contrast designs! The pottery from here is some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring pottery I have ever seen, so happy I found this video!

[@Sisa61]

So interesting . Beautiful pots ❤Thank you Andy

[@AncientPottery]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@debicarver8958]

Incredibly beautiful

[@ellenn2539]

Back in the late🎉 sixties when I lived in Barstow California, I became friends with a potter who sold her wares in Barstow's "Calico Ghost Town". Her bowls, bells, and whatever were made from NATURAL colored clay. Several colors of clay were used in an individual piece, usually creating horizontal blended stripes. I haven't seen any of her type of pottery since then

[@TemplarX2]

The black pottery is something else. So beautiful.

[@riskyroad1]

I love this, great video and love the hospitality of the community of Mata Ortiz.. I’ve got a decent collection of Mata Ortiz pottery and cherish my collection even more. Thank you

[@cribbsprojects]

Recently, I found an old Ecuadorian (I think) pottery bowl in a church sale and long journey through the internet trying to find more information about what it could be, I arrive here at your channel. Got a lot of insight into how the burnished finish is achieved. Thanks!

[@sharimullinax3206]

This reminds me of my early days making pottery.

[@paestrada15]

Andy and production, what a wonderful documentary. This has been a huge inspiration for me to continue on the potters craft. Being from El Paso Tx and having Mata Ortiz close is a treasure. From now on your my "Tio Andy"!

[@AncientPottery]

I will proudly be your tio Andy. Have you visited Mata Ortiz? It is quite close to El Paso.

[@paestrada15]

@@AncientPottery Not yet, family and friends have. A friend of ours met Juan Quezada and his family in the 90s. A lot of his larger pots are here in display in El Paso in a place called Flor de Barro. He’s was down here a couple of months before he passed away. Truly a pottery phenomena and connection to the Southwest

[@charlenef.9055]

Wow 🎉🎉 the ingenuity is stunningly fabulous - craftsmanship extraordinaire ( what may look like not much is valued if / when you find / make the niches ) May this community and the craft persons continue in prosperity and providing the beautiful accent pieces made that contribute to a room's decor and beauty ✨️ ❤️ thank you and your hosts for letting us take a peek. Good luck 🎉

[@christinewilde110]

That pottery is breathtaking. Everything. How do they decorate is so exactly. Sorry, I'm overwhelmed. Love it!

[@AurelioApe]

Muchas gracias, tío Andy. Tus vídeos son muy inspiradores, este especialmente. Ha sido maravilloso ver a estos artistas haciendo sus creaciones y descubrir la historia de la cerámica de Mata Ortiz.

[@claybiteceramicsjoan6047]

Diego is such an amazing potter and person.

[@user-fs3ur1rl5x]

Super show and wildly informative.

[@jenricardo9905]

Wow! How exciting to get to see this show and how they make those. I recognize certain colors on some that remind me of a pot that my sister gave to me when she visited the area or north of there. She was visiting her mother and father in law who were living in El Paso, TX at the time and they would venture out to visit surrounding places. I can’t believe I actually have one of those!!! So fascinating, and thank you so much for making this show. It helps give me the information about the piece I have; it’s origins and process and people who make them. ❤

[@enchantederic3792]

Thank you Andy! I have wanted forever to learn of this "black pottery" from Mexico. For what it's worth, I had a profound dream long ago about the black pottery, but in the shape of a small 1" 'casket' or 'barrel', which was worn as a necklace on a chain, which protected wearer from radiation. How that works out as an allegory I never knew, but the clay (I thought!) and the type of pottery was unmistakable. Manganese, diesel and graphite, and add to the white clay as well.

[@deanframe9095]

That is so beautful. Is it made being smoothed by a tumbled rock 😮or is that a glaze? ANDY I CANT WAIT ANY LONGER! IVE GOT TO KNOW!

[@AncientPottery]

It is stone polished, thanks.

[@charlenegoddard7390]

17 minutes…. So impressed 👍🏾

[@isaak8145]

new subscriber here, i appreciate the way you took the time to find these local producers of this pottery. great content!

[@FidoHouse]

A wonderful documentary, Andy. Thank you to you and your hosts.

[@azcojpg]

Beautiful pottery and thanks for the tour of the talented artists and their culture. I'm excited to see them visit the Superstition Museum next weekend to see the artists in person.

[@Dtchmastrkilla7]

Just want to say how much I appreciate your videos. Really cool stuff you are publishing. I hope you keep it up and I offer my small encouragement, for what it is worth. I am a spanish to english translator and would love to help you with that in the case that you'd need that sort of thing. I mean it!

[@chrisbgifford7387]

So beautiful~ Thanks for sharing.

[@shirleyandrews1152]

I have huge admiration for these talented ppl. I especially like the fact that they use the natural clay & their tools are so cool. They make & adapt them for their needs. Bravo❤️

[@2degucitas]

The Navajo also polish their pottery with a super smooth river stone. Then they scratch patterns in the surface.

[@midnightchannel7759]

Great video, it would be a great as an into to a series on Native Amercian (Mexican, US) fired bowls. Pls consider a video on the composition of this clay, iow, send samples to labs for analysis. And per the design done here, I wish they had been painting the design outlines while u were there, e.g., the decorative band around the neck of one pot. I assume they measure it out with a tape rule beforehand to be sure to avoid a choke point later on... unless they've been doing this so long that they can eyeball it just fine (?). Thanks again for the video!

[@Kargoneth]

Thanks Andy and potters!

[@donnakelley1202]

I really enjoyed this video. These pots are truly works of art. Soooo beautiful! Thank you for the videos.

[@Norwoodperry]

Fantastic! Thank you for presenting this video!

[@laurabutler6253]

Great video! Beautiful pottery!

[@1marcelo]

Amazing video! El alfarero relámpago sounds like a good name for a lucha libre wrestler ;)