The Field Museum Announces a New Traveling Exhibition: Transforming Tradition: Pottery from Mata Ortiz The Casas Grandes culture (1100-1450 A.D.) specialized in making coiled pots that were sculpted, fired, and painted in a tedious process that today artists refer to as La Lucha, or “the Struggle.” Around the time of the Spanish Conquest, the Casas Grandes culture vanished, and the tradition of making these handcrafted pots (or ollas) was lost for nearly four centuries. This exhibition presents the work of contemporary artists from the town of Mata Ortiz, who have rediscovered the artistic tradition of their ancient ancestors and mastered the art of creating some of the finest contemporary ceramic vessels in the country.  Over twenty exquisite ollas show off intricate geometric designs, decorative painting and incising, and beguiling animal forms. The exhibition also includes ceramic vessels from the 14th - and 15th -century Casas Grandes culture that inspired the modern-day revival of this complex artistic tradition. Contents: 26 pottery vessels, jars, and effigies; electronic label text and graphics; accompanying PBS video featuring Juan Quezada at work Size Requirements: Approximately 1200 sq. ft. Gallery Requirements: No direct sunlight in gallery Audience: Adults and families Appropriate for: Natural history museums, art museums, history museums, cultural centers Availability: Available for 3-month bookings beginning in Fall 2006 Rental Fee: $14,500 for 3 months, plus shipping Available Downloads: Mata Ortiz Fact Sheet (PDF, 1.6 mb) Mata Ortiz Article #1 (PDF, 6.3 mb) Mata Ortiz Article #2 (PDF, 4.1 mb) Mata Ortiz Article #3 (PDF, 2.2 mb) Related Images To view a larger image, click on a thumbnail. Learn More: Transforming Tradition tour schedule. For more information, please contact: Whitney Owens Traveling Exhibitions Director The Field Museum 001-312-665-7332 More Traveling Exhibitions: Nature Unleashed: Inside Natural Disasters A T. Rex Named Sue Chocolate 50 Years of Powwow George Washington Carver Mammoths and Mastodons Gregor Mendel: Planting the Seeds of Genetics A Celebration of Souls: Day of the Dead in Southern Mexico Pearls Traveling Exhibitions Home