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 the first clay parrot we have had from her since 2020!  This is a clay parrot that is fully carved.  The carving is deep with flower designs.  The piece is polished tan, which is the natural color of the clay. The center of each flower is micaceous green.  The area around the eyes is slipped with white clay and the beak is micaceous.  The tan is highly polished and the background is slipped with mica to contrast the polished surfaces.  It is very complex in imagery.  The piece is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Autumn Borts-Medlock, 2022”.

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!