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 carved wings and three flowers. The flower are each carved with four petals and stone polished.  The back has a micaceous surface with a single inset piece of turquoise.  The bottom of the parrot also has a carved flower!  The piece was traditionally fired to a glassy black coloration.  It is a complex and creative piece.  It is signed on the bottom, “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!