Hand-built, open-fired pottery rooted in Paquimé traditions. Working with Regeneración on Tucson’s south side to introduce clay practices to La Doce neighbors. | 2026 Artists At Work Cohort
Porfirio “Pilo” Mora, Mata Ortiz Potter. Tucson, AZ | 2023 Master-Apprentice Award
Porfirio “Pilo” Mora is a highly respected and influential artist in the world of Mata Ortiz Pottery, a renowned ceramic art that originated in the small village of Mata Ortiz in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. Pilo learned as a young boy from Emeterio Ortiz, one of the first master potters of the form, and developed a deep passion and understanding for the techniques and aesthetics. In his over 40 years of working in this form, Pilo has taught family and other community members. Among his apprentices are his three daughters and most recently his grandchild, Elliot.
Mata Ortiz is a small village in Chihuahua, Mexico, known for its talented potters. Porfirio recounts that by some exploring that happened in Mata Ortiz, there was an art form that left potters an inheritance, and that was the vestige of ceramic activity. Porfirio and other potters began finding remains of Mata Ortiz pottery, such as pieces of pot and ceramic bits, which were very common in the region.
Mata Ortiz pottery is inspired by ancient Paquimé culture, which shares many similarities with southwestern Pueblo cultures.
Potters enjoyed the idea of learning how to make Mata Ortiz pottery and thanks to the research they conducted to find it, that was how Porfirio and other potters began to make, what is quite evolved now, the ceramic that proudly represents Mata Ortiz and the state of Chihuahua.
The work of art is the main reflection of the economy and well-being of families in the town of Mata Ortiz. When youth are interested and involved in the practice of creating Mata Ortiz pottery, Porfirio believes they become serene, and continue to take care of the traditional work and representation.
Master potter Porfirio learned how to prepare the clay and the pigments, along with other basic techniques, from a tradition passed down from generation to generation.
