Image source: http://assets.davinong.com/images/entry/2012/02/19/13910/table-lamps-for-bedroom.jpg
The hands of a Native American artist formed these southwest Indian pottery lamps from clay found near the arroyos and rivers of their homeland. Rolling out the clay, then coiling it to form the shape of the lamp is the first step to forming the finished pottery lamp that will grace your home. Smoothing the clay, both inside and outside with a crude tool such as a piece of broken glass or a stone or stick, letting it dry, then firing it in the kiln will turn this formless substance into an object of beauty and use.
Making the decision to decorate your home in the southwest style represents a desire to make your home more natural and rustic. This does not mean crude, however, and adding a southwest Indian pottery lamp will add a touch that is both sophisticated and organic. Once you have seen the beauty of these pottery lamps, it is inconceivable that you would not want to have several for your home. They are appropriate for any room. The high degree of skill necessary to produce these lamps will assure that they will add just right decorating touch.
The Tarahumara Indians of Mexico still produce some of the most beautiful southwest Indian pottery lamps available today. Made entirely by hand, these lamps can hardly be considered utility objects. They are individual pieces of art, one-of-a-kind pieces that will assure the individuality of your home. The shapes chosen by these native artists are those that echo the pots formed for thousands of years by these people. They are shapes that are friendly and natural, like river- and wind-smoothed rocks. Strung with rawhide to provide that authentic southwestern feeling, these lamps come on wooden stands with a rawhide shade. No southwest room is complete without them. Rawhide shades will provide the perfect finish to these rustic lamps.
Besides the Tarahumara lamps described above, there are other styles of southwest Indian pottery lamps available. Basing their designs and decoration on the wonderful artistry of Navaho, Anasazi, and Zuni Native peoples, these lamps will draw you right into the pueblo and desert. You will find these accent pieces a great way to complete your southwest decor. You can almost hear the kiva drums or the songs of the wolves and coyotes when looking at some of these pottery lamps. They will add a tasteful, yet definite Native American presence to any room in your home.
