Navajo Pitch Pots
Aug 5, 2011
NAVAJO PITCH POTS
The water bottle is an example of wickerwork made by the Navajo. They are called Tqoshje, probably a contraction of Tqo (water) and Yishje (it is closed with gum) from the fact that the wicker bottle or jar is covered with a layer of gum or pitch. These bottles are made of sumac, willow or other pliable twigs in the shape of a large vase with a rounded bottom, globular body and long narrow neck with a flaring rim. An awl is the only instrument used and no particular care is taken to weave very closely as the jar is rendered water-tight by a covering of pine or pinion gum inside and out.
The gum is heated and poured into the jar and by turning and pouring the inside surface is coated. A heated pebble is thrown inside and shaken to remove any hard lumps and create a smooth surface. The exterior is also coated with gum and daubed with red clay to give each piece a unique reddish brown color. The outside surface is also smoothed over with a heated pebble.
More Information
Return To News Listings
NAVAJO PITCH POTS
The water bottle is an example of wickerwork made by the Navajo. They are called Tqoshje, probably a contraction of Tqo (water) and Yishje (it is closed with gum) from the fact that the wicker bottle or jar is covered with a layer of gum or pitch. These bottles are made of sumac, willow or other pliable twigs in the shape of a large vase with a rounded bottom, globular body and long narrow neck with a flaring rim. An awl is the only instrument used and no particular care is taken to weave very closely as the jar is rendered water-tight by a covering of pine or pinion gum inside and out.
The gum is heated and poured into the jar and by turning and pouring the inside surface is coated. A heated pebble is thrown inside and shaken to remove any hard lumps and create a smooth surface. The exterior is also coated with gum and daubed with red clay to give each piece a unique reddish brown color. The outside surface is also smoothed over with a heated pebble.
More Information
Return To News Listings
