The Cahuilla homeland in California was bounded on the north by the San Bernardino Mountains; on the south by the northern Borrego Desert; on the east by the Colorado Desert; on the west by the present-day city of Riverside.
While basketmaking is an ancient art among the Cahuilla, pottery is a relatively recent innovation. About 600 years ago, the Cahuilla learned the art of pottery making from the Colorado River tribes.
One of the displays in the Riverside Metropolitan Museum in Riverside, California, looks at Cahuilla pottery. According to the display:
“With the ceramic pot, Cahuilla could store food longer through the season and years if need be. The ceramic pot was better equipped to store water as well.”
In their book The Cahuilla Indians of Southern California, Lowell Bean and HarryLawton write:
“While pottery was relatively late in developing among the Cahuilla, it also served as a means of artistic expression. A strong similarity exists between Cahuilla pottery designs, body designs, and petroglyph designs.”
While the Cahuilla made many items from clay, including pipes and parching trays, the kávishmal—olla or cooking pot—was probably the most common clay item made. According to the Museum display:
“Pots were made of local clays, using a paddle and anvil technique, and fired. There were different types of pots. Some stored food, some held water and others were for cooking. Small ceramic pots held small amounts of foods and medicines. Pots were often decorated with red pigment. Some of the designs were ceremonial but not all pots were ceremonial. Pots have been found cached in caves and under rocks for later use, with seeds still in them, sealed with a ceramic top. Some Cahuilla kept honey bees’ hives in pots, providing a ready source of honey.”
Indians 101
Indians 101 is a series exploring American Indian arts, histories, museums, biographies, and current concerns. More about American Indian pottery from this series:
Indians 101: Southwestern Pottery in the Maryhill Museum (Photo Diary)
Indians 101: Pueblo Pottery (Photo Diary)
More about California Indians from this series:
Indians 101: Southern California Games and Gaming (Photo Diary)
Indians 101: California Indian Baskets in the Maryhill Museum (Photo Diary)
Indians 101: Pomo Indian Baskets (Photo Diary)
Indians 101: California Women's Woven Hats (Photo Diary)