The variety of Indian pottery is exciting for collectors because there seems to be no end to Indian pottery styles. Native American pottery has always been a part of Native life. In recent years the resurgence of collecting Indian pottery has been fueled by the revival of ancient... Indian pottery began as useful utensils and has evolved into beautiful Indian art. Indian pottery from an Indian pueblo of the southwest can be rough with dark earth tones or highly polished pieces with hand painted designs or fine quality thin walled Indian pottery. The variety of Indian pottery is exciting for collectors because there seems to be no end to Indian pottery styles. Native American pottery has always been a part of Native life. In recent years the resurgence of collecting Indian pottery has been fueled by the revival of ancient traditional Indian Mata Ortiz pottery in the Casas Grandes region of Chihuahua. The wide appeal of this Indian pottery has helped the Native American potter in other southwestern areas as well.

Our personal experience has been with Indian pottery of the Tarahumara Indians and families in very primitive conditions. Tarahumara pottery is utilitarian in design. The Tarahumara make Indian pottery of rough earthen clay in white, orange and brown. Rather than being polished and smooth Indian pottery, Tarahumara Indian pottery is rustic and still made as it has been for generations. We have come upon antique Indian pottery pieces, pitchers, bowls and clay pots. It is a thrill to hold an old piece of Indian pottery and to imagine the lives and times it has experienced. Among the Tarahumara Indians, those Indian pottery makers make pottery with ancient pottery traditions that they in turn give to their children. Unlike the Mata Ortiz phenomenon, it is Indian women potters who make Tarahumara Indian pottery.

Tarahumara Indian pottery pots or ollas are used for a variety of cooking purposes. An Indian pottery olla may be used to cook beans, boil corn with lime for making tortillas, roasting corn for pinole, and in the larger pots, for making the Tarahumara traditional corn beer, tesguino. Indian pottery is made in different sizes and shapes which define the use of a particular pot. Tarahumara Indian pottery is simple and functional.

The first step in any Native American Indian pottery making is to gather clay. This may require a trip of several miles. Once the clay has been obtained, it is ground on a stone metate because Indian pottery requires a fine clay powder. Water is then added to this mixture and it is kneaded until the right consistency is achieved. When it is time to begin making pottery, the base is formed first and the sides are built up using coils of clay. The olla is a traditional basket or vase shape and pottery bowls are usually low rise with a simple rim. Native American Indian pottery including Tarahumara Indian pottery is formed by hand, by the coil and pinch method, with out the use of wheels. A piece of gourd, stone or wood may be used to smooth Tarahumara Indian pottery and scrape away roughness. After drying in the sun, a hot fire is made in a shallow pit and the pot is fired. When Tarahumara Indian pottery is decorated, the paint is obtained from red ochre, iron oxide or hematite and applied with the fingers or by means of a feather or cloth-wrapped stick.

Indian pottery is definitely a rich tradition among all Native Americans and collectors are captivated by Indian pottery works. Watching Indian pottery being made and then holding it in our hands seems to span generations and connect us with Indian potters from years gone by. Indian pottery is a piece of culture and history.  Mission Del Rey.

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Natural rawhide native american drums loosen in times of humidity and tighten when heated.

Drum rawhide may become loose or wavy during shipping as they pass through humid parts of the country or as humidity passes through your area.

A hair dryer set on high/heat is the quickest and easiest way to heat/dry a hoop drum for use. 

Simply start in the center of the drum a couple of inches from the hide.  Keep the dryer moving in small circular motions and slowly move toward the outer edges of the hoop drum until the entire drum hide is tightened.  Do the same on both sides.  It only takes a few minutes, restores the rawhide drum to the proper tension and can be repeated as often as necessary. 

The native people heat the drums in front of a fire before using, to achieve maximum sound quality. The tighter the hide, the stronger the sound will be.  But be careful, over tightening causes bent hoops or split hides.  Around the fire, a loud pop means someone forgot to keep an eye on their drum.

The world renouned Tarahumara Indians of the Sierra Madre mountain range inhabit a nearly inaccessible region of the copper canyon area bearing their name, Sierra Tarahumara. Today the Tarahumara live in caves and rock out-cropping as well as in small wood and stone cabins in remote areas. Said to be North America’s most primitive people, they live a simple life without modern technology. The Tarahumara Indians use the drums as a call to gather the people. On a clear night during their festivals, you can hear the sound of these Native American drums drifting throughout the mountain villages for miles.

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Mission Del Rey’s southwest rawhide lamp shades are works of art perfect for Cabin lighting and Lodge décor.  You don’t have to settle for paper or faux materials when genuine hand laced rawhide shades are not only beautiful and functional but affordable too.

 

Rawhide lamp shades have no equal for character and charm in rustic décor.  Rawhide shades are hand-made by craftsman using high quality translucent rawhide.  A welded frame and hand stitched leather lacing creates a beautiful one of a kind shade.  The translucent character of the rawhide allows light to emanate from within to create a wonderful natural atmosphere, perfect for warm, friendly and inviting southwest, western and country décor.

Protect your investment in rawhide craftsmanship by understanding how rawhide shades respond to their environment and prolong their life by using the same techniques for use and care as the professionals.    

From a consumer's viewpoint, we want more light in the room so we use bulb wattage to meet our lighting needs or leave the lamp on for long periods.  But the rawhide can't handle it and the way in which the shade is being used pushes the rawhide beyond its limits.  It may be that rawhide is an inappropriate material choice for a certain application.  Understanding that, it is also important to realize that rawhide wears out sooner or later even with the best of care.  Most people who use rawhide shades do so because they like the rustic look and there is no substitute for rawhide.  So, we accept the fact that replacement will be a part of ownership and enjoying rawhide.

Mission Del Rey has years of experience in producing rawhide lampshades and have identified various threats to shade life and developed techniques for care and use. When a rawhide shade splits it is obvious that there is a problem.  But the problem is not usually the hide.  It is rare that a shade splits for no reason.  Rather than being the problem, it is best to think of splitting as the result of the problem, heat and drying.  To avoid splitting, heat/dryness has to be addressed or it will continue.  Rawhide is not tanned like leather.  It is "raw hide" constantly expanding and contracting with heat and humidity.  When wet or humid it loosens and when heated or dry it tightens.  Heat will cause the hide to tighten until it finally tears.  Usually it is a combination of things that cause splitting like too high of wattage bulb for shade size, or direct sunlight, extended use causing high heat or placement near a heat duct or not conditioning the hide or not frequently enough.  By avoiding these pitfalls, shade life is greatly increased.

Rawhide lamp shades can easily last several years.  We have also heard stories of a shade splitting in one hour with a high wattage bulb and of shades splitting prematurely when being placed near a heat vent and when placed in a window with direct sun.  Smaller chandelier lamp shades are at greater risk because of the close proximity of the bulb to the shade, while lager shades last longer because the heat can more easily escape.  

The best results are achieved by regularly conditioning the shades with mineral oil.  (baby oil is scented mineral oil) Weekly or monthly applications may be needed depending on the dryness of your location.  Shades in Arizona and Colorado for example need more frequent conditioning.  Air conditioning dries the air causing the same result as heat.  Along with regular conditioning, using a fluorescent bulb rather than a traditional incandescent bulb is the single most important tip to prolong shade life.  Modern fluorescent bulbs have very nice light and produce a fraction of the heat, while saving energy too.  Finally, try to use the lamp more for atmosphere rather than a main light source and avoid extended use to keep your rawhide shades looking good.  We hope you enjoy the beauty of hand-crafted rawhide lamp shades for years to come.

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Native American Indian Drums Claearance 

Don't miss the great deals on one of a kind hand drums and pow wow drums this week.  We often receive Indian drums from the makers that are different than usual or a size or type that we don't usually carry.  We also have irregular items, like hand drums that might be out of round or beautiful Indian pottery with a small chip.  All of it is priced to sell fast.

If you like drumming or southwest decor, don't miss these specials.  They are scattered throughout the store, but we have also created a new Indian drum clearance section  on the store so you can find everything in one place.  Take a look and let your friends know too.  They make great gifts.

If you are looking for ceremonial hoop drums or real log drums you will find them here.  And, there are fabulous pow wow drums and tables for rustic furniture too. 

 

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Tarahumara Indian drums are primitive Native American drums, using goat skin which has unique stretching and sound qualities.  The rawhide drum skins are prepared according to traditional methods that are the closely guarded secrets of the drum makers.  

 

The hide is stretched and laced onto the traditional bend wood pine frame at just the right tension to create an Indian hoop drum with optimum sound and still allow for residual stretching.  Genuine rawhide goat skin is a natural "live" material with unique drumming qualities.  It moves, expands and contracts with changing temperatures and can be repeatedly tightened with heat.  It has an infinite variety of subtle veining and color tone and it's rich luster becomes more beautiful with age.   

In the hands of a skilled Tarahumara, these Indian drums speak, delivering tones that are subtle and spiritual or pounding with excitement.  Striking the drum in a variety of ways, with varying intensity of sound, Tarahumara shaman drums seem to touch one's inner being.

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Musical instruments such as drums and violins are made frequently for use in ceremonies. Drums are made from pieces of goatskin stretched over a wooden frame. They are used extensively during the Holy Week or Semana Santa festivities before Easter.

As drums are considered ceremonial items, they can be difficult to find during much of the year. The drums are brightly decorated by hand using crushed iron oxide. Then, as the ceremonies are beginning, they beat the drums as a call to gather the people. During the festivals the sound of the drums can be heard drifting throught the mountain villages for miles.

Violins were first introduced to the Tarahumara Indians by the Spanish and have come to play an important role in Tarahumara music and celebrations. The violins are all carved by hand, a painstaking process. Recently, these precious works of art have been produced with an intricately carved animal figure on the scroll of the instrument. The primitive violins are played as the dancers, men (Matachines) dressed in brightly colored costumes do the traditional dance day and night for several days.

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We operate the Mission Del Rey among the Tarahumara Indians. The Tarahumara are a proud people that have endured many hardships. They lead very rough and often difficult lives. They are teetering between their traditional lifestyle and assimilation into the Mexican culture. Unfortunately, they are somewhat stuck between the two and often live hand to mouth. Hunger and exposure are too well known among the people. By being able to continue their traditional crafts, they preserve their cultural roots and their dignity as they work to provide for their families.

 

The Tarahumara or Rarámuri, as they call themselves, inhabit the Copper Canyon, as it is known in the U.S., or the Sierra Tarahumara in northwest Mexico. The actual name Tarahumara was what the first Spanish called these Native American people. The Spanish originally encountered the Tarahumara throughout Chihuahua upon arrival in the 1500's, but as the Spanish encroached on their civilization the shy and private Tarahumara retreated for the nearly inaccessible canyons of the Sierra Tarahumara. Only the Jesuit missionaries followed at first and with only scattered success.

After mineral wealth was discovered in the mountains, many areas where Tarahumara Indians lived became desirable lands to the miners & mining companies forced the Tarahumara once again to head farther into the remote canyons. Today, the Tarahumara are Mexico's second largest native Indian group with between 50,000 & 70,000 people. Today the Tarahumara live in caves, under cliffs and in small wood and stone cabins in remote areas. They live a simple life undisturbed by modern technologies. They are known as a quiet and considerate people who are expert farmers and runners. Rarámuri has been translated to mean "runners" in their native language. Due to severe drought in northern Mexico, the Tarahumara have suffered famine in the past few years.

Corn is the main staple along with beans. Potatoes, and apples can also be found. Some Tarahumara raise domesticated animals such as goats and cattle. Fish, small game & herbs (a Tarahumara specialty) round out their diet. Traditional clothing for the Tarahumara consists of a white cloth shirt, sometimes with colorful prints, white cloth pants or wraparounds with colorful belts or accessories. Headbands of cloth usually red are worn upon the head. Sandals or huaraches are the footwear of choice.

Running is what the Tarahumara may be most legendary for in the world. Various organizations have entered Tarahumara runners into events such as the "Leadville 100-Mile" in Colorado. The runners have surprised many by running in their tire-soled sandals and winning some of these long distance races. Running or "foot throwing" has always been a tradition and necessity of the Tarahumara. It is their only mode of transportation and many of the small communities are far apart. They also have their own events, and this is were "foot throwing" comes into effect. It is a competition known as Rarjíparo and consists of a small wooden ball which is "thrown by the foot" by teams in a race to finish before the other teams. The races can last days. The Tarahumara are very religious. Two larger events are Semana Santa (Easter Week) and the Fiesta Guadalupana in December. These religious rites are a mixture of Christian and Tarahumara beliefs.

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The right rawhide lamp shade can make a perfect lamp. But the wrong size shade can make a beautiful lamp look out of balance. And ordering the wrong size lampshade is inconvenient and expensive. Make the right choice the first time.

Our specialty is southwestern lighting and rawhide lamp shades but the technique we use will work with any lamp shade, rawhide or otherwise. Give it a try to help choose the right shade for your lamp even before you order. Follow this simple procedure to help make the right choice the first time. First, we need to understand how lampshades are measured. You will need three measurements, bottom diameter, top diameter and height. The height of a shade should be measured straight up and down vertically…not along the slant.

Measuring Tip #1: The reason we measure height up and down, "vertically" is that the height measurement of you lamp from bulb socket base to top of harp is probably the minimum vertical height you will want to cover with your shade.

Measuring Tip #2: The height of your lamp can be adjusted with a shorter or taller harp to be able to use a standard shade rather than ordering a custom lampshade in many cases.

Now, here is the trick to ordering the right shade. You probably have an idea of the approximate size, so simply consult a list of rawhide lamp shades and select the one you are considering. Each shade's measurements should be listed as described above.

Next, make a simple two-dimensional "flat" pattern the size of the shade out of paper or cardboard. For example, use the lower edge of the cardboard for the base line. Measure up the height of the shade and draw a horizontal line parallel to the base line which will represent the top edge of the shade. Now draw a vertical line straight up and down from base line or to the top edge line. If you imagine the base line, vertical line and top edge line as the capital letter "I" you are on the right track.

The next step is to mark the top and bottom dimensions of the shade on your pattern so that you get the correct slant for the edge of the shade. From the center line measure and mark the top diameter of the shade. If the top diameter is 5" then measure to the left and right of the center line along the top edge line 2.5" on both sides and make a mark. Those points are the top corners of your pattern. Repeat along the baseline using the shade's bottom diameter. If it seems confusing, it's really not, but very simple and quick. See our full color shade measuring graphic for a visual aid.

Finally, If you will cut out the pattern and have someone hold it in place over the lamp, you will be able to step back and look. Even though it is flat, you will be able to get a feel for how the shade will look on your lamp and order with confidence. It's not full proof but it is a quick and easy way to make sure that you are on the right track in your shade size selection. This simple idea has helped our clients save a lot of aggravation and money over the years and we trust it will benefit you too.

About the author, Craig Chambers, is the President of Mission Del Rey, an Arizona non profit organization preserving and advancing the culture of the Tarahumara Indians through traditional skills. Use of this article in whole or part must include a live html link to http://store.missiondelrey.com

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