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Sharings & ObservationsMillie Brownechairwoman, board of directorsFor the first time, the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum is focusing exclusivelyon Cahuilla ceramics, clays, and traditional techniques for making potterywith the exhibition Raw Earth and Fire Clouds. In this beautiful andinformative exhibition, the Museum preserves the ancient tradition ofpottery making for the future. The opening reception was attended by awide variety of people, including students from College of the Desertpottery classes. David Largo (Cahuilla) and Tony Soares (Choctaw/Seminole)are two individuals who exemplify the expertise in the Cahuilla paddleand anvil technique of pottery making. The Museum has worked closelywith David and Tony by offering classes and firing demonstrations to thepublic. Both artists are featured in the exhibition currently on display atthe Museum.Cahuilla pottery is no longer made for everyday use, but remains animportant part of Cahuilla culture. Ollas, the large round pots with a smallflared opening, were once keepers of life’s essentials. Cahuilla people storedfood, water, and personal goods inside ollas. These days, the ollas themselveshave become a treasure and are proudly displayed in many Cahuilla homes.Today’s artisans continue to make the traditionally-shaped ollas, paintingthem with designs from the past, in addition to incorporating their owninterpretive designs and manipulating traditional firing techniques toproduce the dark spots and purplish swirls often called “fire clouds.” TheMuseum ushers the work of past and present potters into the future throughthe preservation of objects and knowledge, as well as continued educationprograms and exhibitions like Raw Earth and Fire Clouds. I invite youto come see the exhibition and discover for yourself the function, form, andartistry in traditional Cahuilla pottery, and perhaps purchase an olla at theMuseum gift shop made by a contemporary artisan.CorrectionIn Memoriam on page 14 of the December/January/February issue ofThe Spirit should have referenced the late Anthony Joseph Andreas,Jr. as the officially-designated Historian of the Agua Caliente Bandof Cahuilla Indians. We apologize for any misconception regardingMr. Andreas’s role as the Tribe’s Historian.2