A Study of Pueblo Pottery as Illustrative of Zuñi Culture Growth. Fourth Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1882-83, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1886, pages 467-522

"A Study of Pueblo Pottery as Illustrative of Zuñi Culture Growth" by Frank Hamilton Cushing is a scientific publication written during the late 19th century. This book explores the intricate relationship between Pueblo pottery and the evolution of Zuñi culture, highlighting how environmental factors influenced both the pottery-making techniques and the architectural styles of the Zuñi tribes. As such, it delves into cultural artifacts as reflections of broader societal development within the context of the ancient Pueblo peoples. The book meticulously documents the historical development of Pueblo pottery, tracing its origins from early basketry to the advanced ceramic techniques employed by the Zuñis. Cushing examines various elements, including the environmental influences that necessitated certain design choices, the evolution of pottery forms, and the decorative symbolism embedded within the artwork. He outlines the transition from simple utilitarian wares to more elaborate and artistically designated ceramic pieces, each bearing cultural significance that reflects the rituals and beliefs of the Zuñi people. Through linguistic analysis and ethnographic observations, Cushing provides a nuanced understanding of how these pottery forms function not only as practical vessels but also as vital components of Zuñi identity and spirituality. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Frank Hamilton Cushing was an American anthropologist and ethnologist. He made pioneering studies of the Zuni Indians of New Mexico by entering into their culture; his work helped establish participant observation as a common anthropological research strategy. In recent years, however, questions have emerged about Cushing's activities among the Zuni. Consequently, Frank Cushing's work provides an important case study for considering the ethics of both ethnographic research and the generation of museum collections.