May 6: O’odham Pottery Demonstration

San Xavier Co-op Farm
8100 Oidak Wog, Tucson, AZ, 85746

Reuban Naranjo will demonstrate the use of the “Me:kta” or the clay parching vessel used to toast corn, wheat, coffee beans, seeds. Long before the O’odham had metal, clay cooking vessels were heavily used in traditional O’odham food ways. Some examples of Mr. Naranjo’s clay pieces.

Kathleen Vance and Teresa Choyguha will be demonstrating making hu:ñ cecemait (corn tortillas). The cemaitakuḍ (implement for making tortillas) is designed and fashioned by Kathleen from aborginal Oʼodham desert clay. Oʼodham pottery has been used for centuries to cook, roast and store food or seeds. This type of implement has the ability to retain heat for cooking the tortillas. The tortillas are made from delicious corn masa and patted out by hand. Corn tortillas are a staple of many families in the Southwest.

Harrison Preston, from the community of Wa:k (San Xavier), will be demonstrating the creation of clay seed jars, haicu kaitakuḍ. Much like pots for cooking or water storage, seed jars, were vital in protecting foodstuffs and seeds for the next years planting season. From beans to squash and corn, these vessels ensured that the O’odham peoples Himdag (way of life) and agricultural systems would continue and flourish. Harrison will be demonstrating throughout the event.