Spaniards introduced European pottery to the Americas, and Native American potters sometimes adopted elements of these new ceramics. This pitcher was made with traditional Native American techniques but in a European form.
Summary
Colonoware Pitcher
From Mexico
Dates to 17th–18th century
Collection
Story
This is an example of what archaeologists call colonoware pottery. This pitcher was made using traditional Native American manufacturing techniques, but is in a European form and colonoware vessels such as this pitcher really show a blending of cultures and cultural practices.
Gifford Waters
Collection Manager, Historical Archaeology*
Florida Museum of Natural History
Exhibit
On display Sept. 23, 2017-Jan. 7, 2018, Rare, Beautiful & Fascinating: 100 Years @FloridaMuseum celebrated the Museum’s rich history. Each Museum collection was asked to contribute its most interesting items and share the stories that make them special. Though the physical exhibit is closed, this companion website remains online, providing an opportunity to experience the Florida Museum’s most treasured specimens.
Exhibit Area: Objects Tell Stories
Theme: Blended Culture
Want to see more? Explore more than 300 breathtaking color photos of plants, animals, fossils and cultural heritage materials from the Florida Museum of Natural History’s collections in the award-winning book All Things Beautiful available from the University Press of Florida.
*This title was accurate at the time the exhibit was on display in 2017. Please visit the collection website to verify current staff and student information.