Acoma Pueblo, located about 50 miles west of Albuquerque, New Mexico, is one of the oldest of all pueblo sites. It is well known for the thin-walled, carefully decorated white ware produced there. Acoma potters create work in the tradition of prehistoric vessels and figurines as well as traditional bowls and jars. Working with local white clay, which is unusually fine and hard, they form their pots without a wheel, instead using the traditional coil and scrape method. Designs in black or orange are painted on before firing. Decoration includes intricate geometric patterns or naturalistic depictions of birds and plants. Pots are fired in the open and fuel, usually cakes of dried manure, is placed over and under the pottery and ignited. Perhaps it is the blend of thin-walled delicacy and decorative boldness that best accounts for the unique character and popularity of Acoma pottery. This stunning minature pot measures 4.5 inches in circumference by 1.25 inches in diameter and 1.5 inches in height.