The effigy parrots by Autumn Borts-Medlock have certainly become a signature piece of her pottery.  The parrots are coil-built and then carved and stone polished.  This is one of the larger parrots we have had from Autumn.  It has an elongated body and an open mouth.  The parrot even has a blue clay slipped tongue and a polished tan beak!  It is amazing this didn’t crack in polishing or firing!  The body of the parrot has polished red and green areas.  Check out near the back Autumn has carved a muti-color rainbow!  There is an inset piece of turquoise on the back of the bird and she has also attached parrot feathers to the top of the head.  It is an exceptional amount of work in the various levels of carving combined with polished and matte surfaces.  It is very complex in imagery.  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!