From Zuni with Love: The Clay and Carlos Laate

From the clay in the hills of the Middle Place to the hands of people around the world, the Carlos Laate-designed mug represents Zuni culture wherever its journey leads. This café-style ceramic mug is a replica of a single pot handcrafted by Carlos Laate of Zuni Pueblo, and the second entry in series two of the popular Pueblo Pottery Mugs available at Shumakolowa Native Arts, located inside the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC).

Carlos began making pottery around 1987, and also crafts jewelry and carvings. His destiny as an artist was almost certain, as his mother was a jeweler, his father a carver, leatherworker, and welder, and his grandmother and aunt renowned potters Daisy Hooee and Jennie Laate. “I got the inspiration from my grandparents, and my parents,” he says.

“My aunt and my grandmother, they were both famous potters,” Carlos tells with pride. “That’s where I picked it up.” Creating pottery came naturally for Carlos, his hands, heart, and clay seemingly destined to combine forces. “Once I got a hold of the clay, it just kind of came to me. I can make anything. I get a hold of the clay and start working with my hands, and I would just make anything out of clay.”

Carlos looks to ancient pots found in museums, and potsherds found while walking near his Zuni home, to inspire the designs of his work. It was his grandparents who explained the meanings behind the images he found. “What they taught me was that all the designs that are on the pot are the prayers we use in our daily lives – to have a good life, to have a successful life, and asking for longevity.”

The designs Carlos chose for his mug reflects these same blessings and prayers, carrying over to all who drink from it. He says he’s pleased to represent Zuni and Pueblo culture this way, and is thankful to everyone who buys one for supporting Pueblo culture and artists, and the IPCC.

“I’m representing Zuni Pueblo, and that design comes from Zuni, and that’s what makes me happy.”

To see more work by Carlos Laate, click here.

It is by carrying on our traditions, and actively including our youth in them, that #WeShallContinue.