Hohokam Pottery

sb33334 · Jun 4, 2014

Hi I posted this in the general discussion but received no response.

I purchased these at a rock and mineral show for not too much money. I assume they are fake but still look interesting. It came with the attached card. Any thoughts on whether these can actually be real? Thanks.

unclemac · Jun 6, 2014

believe what you want...sounds like your mind was already made up.

Charl · Jun 6, 2014

unclemac said:
believe what you want...sounds like your mind was already made up.

Actually, sounds like your mind was already made up, not mine. I had the sherds examined, or can't you read? Each of your objections, too many of the same image(as Viking pointed out, each hohokam vessel had multiple images of the identical figures), too many centered(then why have I seen so many that are not?), and "don't trust the seller" can be easily met and answered. Which I have done. You, on the other hand, without any real knowledge of the pieces, offer speculation that can be easily addressed. You accuse me of preconceived conclusions, yet, anyone can see that you have not offered any ACTUAL EVIDENCE why they are forgeries. Not a one. Look in the mirror if you wish to see who is being purely subjective(you) and who is being objective(your's truly). And BTW, although the Mesoamerican art expert does not specialize in SW pottery, he is more then familiar with Hohokam pottery since the Hohokam were the SW culture most influenced by the Mesoamerican cultures to the south. So, please do believe what you wish to believe as well. I simply wanted to point out that you are clueless and have no idea what you are talkng about, and apparently nothing better to do then offer easily addressed objections off the top of your head. I'm really impressed. :icon_scratch:

unclemac · Jun 6, 2014

one other thing I would point out is that these Kokopellis have a very "modern Kokopelli" look. I cannot find any ancient rock art or other images that have such a modern...standard look of the image.

while I am sure your RISD acquaintance may be a good source, I would seek another opinion...perhaps these guys...
The Hohokam

sb33334 · Jun 6, 2014

Charl and Unclemac- Thanks to both of you for your thoughts and analysis. I understand the debate here, I think, in that it describes sort of what I feel/think. The objective evidence certainly does not discredit the pieces, and seems to confirm their authenticity. But, on the other hand, something in my "gut" doesn't seem to sit right about them. But that could be solely a skepticism that I am bringing to it.

monsterrack · Jun 6, 2014

Not to be a kill joy but just wanted to show what a person that cannot draw, can do in 15min and a pottery sherd. I am no artist at drawing but give me some practice and I can do better and make it look older. This is not to say the ones in the post are fake, but just to show what is possible.

I am not taking sides in this matter, but one of the main tricks of artifact fakers is to never make an item look just the same. I am no pottery expert are anything like that, but I do know a lot about how people make fakes.( PEACE)