The art of pottery has been practiced among peoples throughout the world for thousands of years. In the territories currently comprising the United States, native inhabitants have made admirable earthenware for centuries. The pottery created by Hopi, Pueblo, and Catawabi tribes is held in high esteem by art historians and collectors alike.

Utensils and figures made from a blend of clay and sand and hardened in the heat of a kiln are among the most durable and common remains of early societal groups. However, groups such as the Hopi, Pueblo, and Catawabi still practice the craft in present times. Since pottery easily lends itself to creative and colorful decoration, American Indian pottery can acquire great beauty in the hands of skilled artisans.

American Indian pottery is outstandingly diverse in terms of color, form, texture, and style of decoration. Collectors are commonly attracted to this quality of variety, which enables an individual to build a beautifully striking collection even with only a few items. Specialized collectors are experts at differentiating American Indian pottery items by the most imperceptible nuances, such as colors and slight variations in design. Thus, it is advisable for beginners to seek the help of an expert before acquiring the first items in their collections.

In terms of value, the materials employed in the design of a pottery piece may be as important as its artistic qualities and the way these conform to artistic traditions or bring innovation to those traditions. With that said, it is also important to recognize that many knowledgeable collectors in the field claim there is no proven formula for choosing one piece of American Indian pottery over another. Rather, they often recommend letting oneself be guided by personal taste and intuition when purchasing.