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Three Tribes Stoneware, Inc. |
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By Jan Barr
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Three Tribes Stoneware, Inc. began in 1967 in New Town, North Dakota, on the
Fort Berthold Indian Reservation as a training project. Jim Walker of
northern Wisconsin was manager of the operation. Dry clay was shipped
in and mixed there. Native Americans were trained to hand form pieces
on the potters wheel and to glaze and fire them. Therefore, no pieces
are identical. In the early 1970s Jim Walker stated that there were
four professional potters and two apprentices working at the studio.Their
objective was to produce a contemporary Indian stoneware rather than
traditional Indian Pottery (an art form that died out during the 1800s on
the Northern Plains). Vases, mugs, jugs, butter dishes, and sugar
shakers are among some of the items that were produced in earthy tones, such
as tans, browns, white, and blue. Other pieces and colors are probably
out there somewhere.
After Three Tribes Stoneware ceased operation in 1975, the building was
sold and moved to a farm in the surrounding area.
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| The Three Tribes Stoneware, Inc. Building
Photo courtesy of Jan Barr |
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Front row: Tumbler by E. Blake, vase by S.
Young Bear, cup by E. Morsette, cup by E. Blake. Back row: Bowl by E.
Morsette, teapot by E. Blake, vase unsigned, but was made by James Walker
and given to Jeanette La Rock, Bowl - unsigned.
Photo courtesy of Jim and Jeannette LaRock |
References:Three Tribes Stoneware, Inc., Produced 2003 by
Pat Schimke for the 2003 NDPCS convention.
Collector's Encyclopedia of Dakota Potteries, Copyright 1996 by Darlene
Hurst Dommel, Collector Books, Paduca, KY. Out of Print.
Earth, Water, and Fire - The History and Uses of North Dakota Clay,
1998 Spring/Summer Issue North Dakota History - Journal of the Northern
Plains, Volume 65, No. 2 & 3. $10.50 postpaid to State Historical Society of
North Dakota, 612 Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505. 701-328-2666.
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