My latest obsession with “Nemadji Indian Pottery” — a kind of very affordable pottery with a marbleized look to it, colorful swirls that are reminiscent of abstract dreamy landscapes — led me to research a bit about the pottery and my queries lead to some pretty interesting (and kinda troublesome) findings…
While labeled as “Indian Pottery,” it has actually never been made by, nor does it have connections to the Native Ojibway tribe, as many believe–(or any Native American tribe, for that matter). Supposedly the pottery was initially made from clay dug from the banks of the nearby Nemadji River, (thus the name) but later they company used a technique of painting the clay with housepaint and vinegar.
Apparently, the company, was actually founded in Moose Lake by Scandinavian immigrants in 1923 who made the pottery as souvenirs for tourists–the company claimed that the pottery was inspired by the pottery of the ‘Indians.’ The literature that accompanied the pottery stated things like “The warm rich colors of this pottery recall the colorful costumes of the redman…”– quite the marketing ploy.
Learning about its swirled history, I can’t help but look at my pieces of Nemadji Pottery in a different light now–I feel duped but also still mesmerized by the colorful twists and turns. And while in the field of design and it is the norm to borrow ideas from here and there, layer, mix it up and make once’s own, this blatant misappropriation certainly feels icky. I mean, at the very least the Nemadji Indian Pottery company could have donated a portion of their earnings to a Native American cause…
What are your thoughts? Does the history of Nemadji Indian Pottery change how you feel about it? Would you display Nemadji pottery in your home?
All pottery shown in above collage can be found here.
Further reading: here, here and here.
What a fascinating backstory! Certainly the pottery is gorgeous. Is it still in production? Perhaps the company could be pressured into making a percentage donation– or better yet, a group (or tribe) could reclaim the pottery as their own, and make it all come full circle.
Thank you for the interesting post. I’ve always loved Navajo turquoise and silver jewelry and thought it was a special way of showing my heritage now that I live outside of the Southwest.. Until my uncle who used to sell jewelry on the reservations, told me that a lot of it these days (and the vintage stuff) isn’t even made by Native artists. I try to just appreciate the piece for its own beauty and only buy from reputable sellers. Cultural appropriation is such a shame, especially when you go out of your way to avoid it!
Hi Justina… I’m New to your blog. I was randomly checking our some stuff & fortunately landed on your this post about ‘Nemadji Indian Pottery’ it is really good from every aspect from color combination to design I loved it..
when did the company stop producing the pottery
I will show it and I see it as a way some of use tried to learn from and take ideas from the natives rather than force our style on them. I do not feel they had to have been bad people..
They were enlighten enough to tell the truth and not say it was indian made.
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A nice blog. My family is from Moose Lake and the surrounding towns. Still there. I have a LOT of nemadji pottery…accumulated over years. I have rarely bought any of it. My aunt…for many years..was the only person that did the painting for Nemaji pottery….50s to the 70s…maybe earlier…when I see nemadji pots…I grab them…or I just smile..and realize..it’s likely that was painted by one of may very favorite aunts…