Caddo Pottery in Modern and Contemporary Art and Protection of Native American Cultures in Fine Arts by the IACB’s Indian Arts and Crafts Act

Abstract

Hello, my name is Chase Kawinhut Earles. I was named by Julia Edge, daughter of Pauline Washington, who was the granddaughter of the Caddo chief, George Washington. I recently, well, not that very long ago started creating Caddo pottery with the much appreciated guidance from Jeri Redcorn. I have been an artist all my life, but mostly only a painter, not much clay, sculpture or pottery. I was inspired to create pottery though, but my experiences were with the Southwest and the Pueblo artists, as this is what I grew up around and what I learned. But I never started. I never found any inspiration. I realized one day it was because I am not a Pueblo Indian and creating Pueblo or Southwest pottery would, to me, feel hollow. I would feel as though I was just creating knock-offs or replications, and not truly inspired or authentic art. This beginning is what defines me and my ideas about Native American Art. Jeri Redcorn and I are two of only maybe a few active Caddo traditional potters. As we work to revive our long tradition and heritage of pottery we have started to unfold an ancient legacy that has proven to be very unique among other native cultures.