To us, single-serving sized, handled containers (mugs), are ubiquitous, everyday forms. Yet in prehistoric North America, they were invented by the Mesa Verdeans around 1200 AD. Even more amazing is that they virtually disappeared from the continent with the abandonment of the Colorado Plateau about a hundred years later only to be reintroduced to North America by Europeans.
To me, mugs appear as individuals. Just as a glance at the mug rack in the modern office coffee room shows personalities, so does viewing ancient mugs allow a glimpse of their owners and/or makers. Here are some characters to enjoy:
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#1060 is a replica of a mug from the Chappell Collection which I studied at the Anasazi Heritage Center. This mug impressed me with its thin walls and elegant design which articulated perfectly with the marvelous globular form. It is one I featured on my mug poster and is a dandy. |
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#1089 also comes from my Chappell collection studies and is a great rendition of the classic negative zig-zag band motif. It is featured on my mug poster. |
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#1098 is a replica of a very rare double mug. These enigmatic pieces feature a hollow connecting tube. Nothing is known of the function of double mugs. This pot is also from the Chappell Collection and featured on the mug poster. |
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#1121 is after a Chappell Collection mug and is also featured on the mug poster. |
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#1132 has a very unusual "footed" bottom. The original is from the Chappell Collection and once had a handle applique above the lizard. All that was left were the attachment points; how I wish I could have seen what it was. |
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#1133 is a great mug from the Chappell Collection with a very pleasing band motif. During my studies I often run across pieces that I'm sure were done by the same artist but can't prove. Such is the case with #1062 above. |
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#1239 is a composite and was a summer workshop demonstration piece. It traveled quite a bit with me in 1997 and even tagged along to the British Museum as an example of my work. The stylized centipede handle is one of my favorites. |
© 1999 Swink Art