McMINNVILLE – Ancient ceramic artifacts are on display through Dec. 15 at the Linfield College Anthropology Museum, located in 121 Walker Hall at Linfield.
The exhibit “Ceramics: Crucibles of Culture” features the work of Hopi, Pueblo and Turkish ceramic craftsmen and details the techniques used to create them. The Linfield Anthropology museum holds a total collection of 664 pieces, from several different donations. A variety of plates, bowls and pots emphasize pottery as a medium that can convey much about a culture, from religious beliefs to culinary techniques.
“The ceramics show not only the pottery making techniques and styles but also painting styles and practices,” said student curator Gordon Paulsen. “The southwest pieces have a very distinct, sparse style of painting in contrast to the Turkish pieces which are very colorful and complex.”
The southwest pieces were made using coil pottery techniques and are comprised of pieces that would be used for ceremonial occasions and daily use.
“The Turkish pieces show the development of the pottery in the region, from the simple oil lamps to the much more decorated plates,” Paulsen said. “Through study of ceramics, we can know more about the everyday life of the creators.”
For more information, contact Paulsen at 907-518-1524, gpaulse@linfield.edu.
###
