Anasazi Pottery Shard Replica Jewelry
by Mark D. Stevens

in Mark Stevens' own words

"The idea to replicate the ancient pottery shards wasn't even my idea."

"Over the years I have found many old pot shards while hiking around the Pueblo.  It was always a joy finding these "treasures" here and there.  Of all the pot shards I had run across, there was one particular shard that I kept on top of my workbench - it was my favorite.

I would often look at this shard and wonder what the pottery might have looked like as a whole pot.

One day in February (2007), I was was sitting alone at my work bench getting ready to work on some bracelets.  I picked up this favorite shard of mine and was busy in thought admiring it when I heard a voice say out loud,

"Make it into jewelry."

A little startled, I looked up, and realized the Creator was speaking to me.  I thought to myself, "how do I do this?"

I have seen artists who will take the actual pot shard and incorporate it into a piece of jewelry (using it as a cabochon).  Or they will drill a hole through the top of the shard and wear it as a pendant.   I knew I couldn't do either - it wasn't culturally/morally acceptable.

Almost immediately it dawned on me that I could replicate the pattern and contours of the shard using a Hopi overlay technique.

This is the beginning of my pottery shard replica series.  It was without a doubt a generous gift from the Creator that has touched so many people.  I am so very grateful for this." 

Contact Mark at:

theartist@markdstevens.com