Note 42 — SLIPPING AND POLISHING

Stevenson in speaking of the polished black pottery of the Rio Grande pueblos says: “A solution of very fine ochre-colored clay is applied to the outside and inside near the top, or to such parts of the surface as are to be polished. While this solution thus applied is still moist, the process of polishing begins by rubbing the part thus washed with smooth, fine-grained stones until quite dry and glossy. The parts thus rubbed still retain the original red color of the clay. The vessels are again placed in the sun and allowed to become thoroughly dry, when they are ready for baking” (1883, p. 331). Mrs. Stevenson also gives an account somewhat similar: “In many of the pueblos the pottery is undecorated, the surface being finished in plain red or black. The ware is made of a yellowish clay, in the manner heretofore described, and the vessels are placed in the sun, where they remain for hours. They are then washed with a solution of red ochre, and while wet the process of polishing begins, the woman with untiring energy going over the surface again and again with her polishing-stone, every little while passing a wet cloth over the vessel to keep the surface moist. When the polishing is completed, the vessel is again placed in the sun for a short time before receiving its final baking in the oven” (1904, p. 375.)