The subject that I chose for Components A and B was Ponce de Leon. There is little known of him and I was unable to find artwork specifically related to him. Therefore, I chose to analyze pottery from the same era that was discovered in the same region.
Who knows, maybe I will be the first to link this pottery to Ponce de Leon!
I have found a wonderful website that has a selection of pottery pieces found in Spain, Mexico and Havana and are believed to be Artifacts of the Spanish Colonies of Florida and the Caribbean. http://dhr.dos.state.fl.us/bar/san_luis/artifacts/drawer.cfm?id=5
Lets take a closer look...
I chose pottery from the era because I find it beautiful, with such elaborate design and color from such a primitive era in history.
The pieces pictured are made of different materials. Some broken edges reveal a terracotta color, which would lead to the assumption that they were made of clay, while others are white, which indicates more of a porcelain type of material.
These all seem to be thick, unlike fine porcelain dishes. They are all definitely pottery.
What types of materials were used? What techniques were used? Where did the colorful dyes come from and how were they applied? Did the patterns that were beautifully and intricately painted on represent something? Could they represent family names, heritage, social standing, specific communities or societies? Was the pottery fired or dried? How were these techniques discovered? My list of questioning can go on and on.
You will notice that the primary color used is blue. I assume that it was the most readily available and most economic to use. Could the reddish colors be henna?
Some of the pottery fragments came from olive jars, which were used to transport a variety of products. Olive jars were often recycled as roofing and flooring materials.
Some pottery pieces are Asian in design. This may seem a little strange for the area in which they were discovered, however, we must remember that explorers were sailing all around Europe and trade was being made with the Asian countries as well.
I really appreciate the beauty and creativity in pottery. I collect some antique pottery myself. I hope that I have brought some food for thought and also some appreciation for what our ancestors must have done to enhance their surrounding with art.
