#PotteryTerm: BLACKHARD - A stage in the drying of a piece of pottery where it is no longer malleable, but it has not yet dried out completely. The moisture content still in the piece gives is a dark tone.

The Sunface is an important cultural symbol of the #Zuni people and represents the Sun Father, one of their three main kachinas, or deities. Earrings are Zuni made, artist unknown.

The mineral #turquoise is formed by a chemical reaction which occurs when water containing specific minerals such as copper and aluminum leak through a rock. It forms in veins, which later then turn into a clump of turquoise. Pendant by #Navajo silversmith Juan Guerro.

An owl and flower are inlaid within an oval sterling silver panel in this impressive pendant by #Zuni silversmith Quintin Quam. https://t.co/QviDMvoirP

“It is better to have less thunder in the mouth and more lightning in the hand.” -Apache #NativeAmerican Proverb

In many #NativeAmerican cultures, the frog symbolizes cleansing, sensitivity adaptability and transformation. Carved frog fetish by #Zuni artist Andres Lementino.

#Charoite is believed to bring courage and sturdiness to the wearer. Ring is #Navajo made, artist unknown.

Did You Know...? During the Pueblo Revolts, #Jemez Pueblo lost most of its traditional pottery styles. Originally they made fine line black designs on white, but modern Jemez potters each follow their own ideas. Lidded jar by Jemez potter Alvina Yepa.

The #Zuni people believe that it is the spirit from within a carve stone fetish that is of value, not necessarily the object itself. Elephant fetish by Zuni carver Calvert Bowannie.

The gem of royals, #malachite represents a sense of increased protection, loyalty, and fidelity. Earrings are #Navajo made, artist unknown.

A #turquoise stone thrown into the water or air, according to #Navajo tradition, can help connect one, in prayer, to the Creator of rain or the Wind Spirits. Pendant by Navajo silversmith Walter Vandever.

Two owlets rest in the wings of a standing owl in this adorable storyteller figurine by #Jemez potter Chrislyn Fragua. https://t.co/rYqdqeW4jC

There are two ways to say "thank you" in the #Navajo language: "Ahéhee'" and "Tʼáá íiyisíí ahéheeʼ"

In many #NativeAmerican cultures, the symbol of the cactus is believed to help with enduring tough situations. Pendant by #Navajo silversmith Ted Secatero.

#Cochiti Pueblo's traditional pottery style is a black, red and buff polychrome with the base and interior of the vessel painted red. Jar by Cochiti potter Vangie Suina.

Did You Know...? Almost all #jasper stones are multicolor, featuring stripes, spots or flame-like patterns and it is often named according to its pattern. Bumblebee jasper pendant is #Navajo made, artist unknown.

For the #Zuni people, the Sun symbolizes abundance, continuity, stability, positive energy, hope, happiness, and peace. Pendant is Zuni made, artist unknown.

All traditional #Hopi Kachina dolls are carved out of the root of the Cottonwood tree. Crow Mother Kachina doll by Hopi carver Arthur Cheromiah.

#Turquoise is a blue to gray-green mineral consisting of copper aluminum phosphate. The mineral is a hyrous phosphate of aluminum, which includes a small percent of copper. Cuff bracelet by #Navajo silversmith Elroy Chavez.

Beautiful sterling silver sandcast work is dotted with a single, bright blue turquoise stone in this impressive vintage #Navajo belt buckle. https://t.co/50SA16ndlw