Autumn Borts-Medlock’s effigy parrots have certainly become a signature piece of her pottery. The parrots are coil-built, then carved, and stone polished.  This parrot has four flowers, carved wings, and multi-level carved clouds.  The wings are also carved with cloud and lightning designs.  On one side there are carved clouds with a single piece of turquoise inset into the clay.  Autumn said she wanted to create the appearance of the sky breaking through the clouds.  The parrot was fired a glassy black coloration.  It is very complex in imagery and creative in form.  The piece is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Autumn Borts-Medlock, 2024”.

So, why so many parrots on Pueblo and Hopi pottery?   In the pre-contact era, there was a small parrot that was indigenous to the southwest area.  As well, parrot feathers were traded with Central American tribes and were highly valued. Today there are Parrot Clans at Hopi and parrot feathers are used throughout the Pueblo world in various ceremonies and dances.  So, it is not unexpected to see parrots featured on pottery from the various pueblos and Hopi.  They are certainly part of the cultural and historic background of these amazing potters!