The very fine indentations and shiny black polished interior suggest this bowl was imported to the Safford Basin from the Mogollon region to the north and east. Smudging results from deliberately firing the pot with smoke-producing fuel such as pine needles in the interior of the vessel. Experimental evidence suggests that smudging might retard the growth of bacteria in vessels intended for serving food.

Author

Patrick D. Lyons and Kelley Hays-Gilpin; Photographer: Kai Little

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IMG_6385final.jpg

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