Hohokam Effigy Jar Revival Pottery By Paul and Laura Thornburg

ca.  1992

5.75" H x 5.125" L x 4.625" W

Hand Coiled from Local Clay of a Figure with Painted Deep Red Geometric Design

Excellent Condition

Paul and Laurel Thornburg (note: often spelled "Laurel" in sources) are acclaimed contemporary American potters based in Sonoita, Arizona, renowned for their meticulous revival/reproduction pottery inspired by prehistoric Southwestern cultures. While they are most famous for stunning Mimbres black-on-white bowls and vessels (featuring geometric, animal, and figurative motifs from the ancient Mimbres culture of New Mexico, ca. AD 1000–1130), they have also produced works drawing from related traditions, including Hohokam styles.

About the ThornburgsBackground: The couple has been creating pottery since the late 20th century, emphasizing archaeological accuracy. They use traditional hand-coiling, paddle-and-anvil techniques, natural clays, slips, and pigments, and fire in open pits or primitive kilns to replicate ancient firing clouds and finishes.

Recognition: Featured in Arizona Highways (1989), Phoenix Home & Garden (1995), and other publications for their "museum-quality" reproductions. Collectors praise their work for blurring the line between revival and original prehistoric pieces.

Primary Focus: Mimbres revival—large bowls with bold kill-hole reproductions, human figures, animals (e.g., centipedes, birds), and geometric designs. Pieces are signed "Thornburg" on the base.

Hohokam Connection: Although direct references to Hohokam-specific effigy jars by the Thornburgs are less common in available sources, their broader revival work encompasses Hohokam-influenced forms and motifs. Hohokam pottery (ca. AD 500–1450, from central/southern Arizona) shares stylistic overlaps with Mimbres (e.g., red-on-buff ware, life forms, effigies), and some Thornburg pieces incorporate these elements.