Horsehair pottery originated centuries ago with the Native Americans. It was typically associated with the Navajo and Acoma Pueblo peoples. Legend says that it began when a potter’s hair accidentally fell onto a hot pot, leaving carbonized marks. It was later refined by using horsehair to honor the horses that were so important to the Native Americans.

To create a horsehair pot, a bisqued pot is fired to approximately 1,600 degrees F. in a gas kiln. The kiln is opened when it reaches that temperature and it pot is removed, Fine pieces of horsehair is then touched to the pot. The hair combusts, leaving unique, carbon-etched black, wavy lines on the surface. The pieces are typically polished or burnished and then used as decorative pieces. Feathers and other organic items can also be placed against the hot surface to leave a design. A burning piece of paper is oftenadded to the inside to carbonize it.