What are these made of

[jtw1313]

Marked Mexico it's not wood

 

[baspinall]

Probably fired clay

 

[baspinall]

Or soapstone

 

[Icewing]

Or black marble like this strange flower like figurine

http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/...-sculpture-entitled-coco-5926487-details.aspx

 

[tamrock]

I think it's a ceramic made in a similar technique as Santa Clara pottery, using wood or manure as fuel to give the black finish. The gift shops around Taos and Santa Fe sell all kinds of decorative ceramics made the same way that all come from Mexico.
https://www.nps.gov/museum/exhibits/band/potteryStages.html

 

[bradyboy]

I'm a frequent visitor to Sane fe NM
the Indians in that area produce high quality pots that look the same, color and carving
BUT - the question is, it this item solid and heavy?
I don't see any holes in this item.
Holes are needed to keep this item from exploding in the kiln
Size? maybe its small enough not to explode in the kiln
IMO Brady

 

[jtw1313]

There is a hole on the bottom

 

[jtw1313]

And it is solid and heavy

 

[bradyboy]

I almost purchased a pot in santé fe with the same firing properties, finish and carving
Said small pots were going for around 500 , they explained the multiple processes to create the bowl
was told it was a complicated process
the fact its carved on the bottom is a concern
is the surface soft, can you scratch it?
Brady

 

[jtw1313]

Not sure I will have to see

 

[nhbenz]

Those things are mostly attributed to Tonala Mexico. They're hollow. If it feels solid and heavy then someone has filled it with sand, or maybe cocaine, in which case you might get more than $10 for it if you were so inclined.