Kayenta polychrome ware is a sort of pottery created by the Anasazi Indians during the Pueblo III period.  The exact time that this sort of pottery was created is the basis for debate within the archaeological community.  The basic consensus among archeologists is that this form of pottery was created sometime near the end of the twelfth century.

The “Keyenta” area where this pottery was discovered is along the Virgin River, which flows within the southwestern regions of the United States (primarily in Nevada.)  Keyenta is located within the Tsegi area, which is the northern portion of the Anasazi domain, this domain, is stretched through upper South America, Central America and lower North America.

The Kayenta pottery of the Anasazi people is characterized by its dark black base colors and intricate designs made by fine white lines.  These designs usually take the form of triangles, frets, bands and spirals.  However, the pottery is not limited to only black and white designs, Bowls have also been discovered with black, red and white designs on an orange base color.  Kayenta pottery took many forms due to its many uses; the pottery was primarily made into bowls, ladles, handled bowls, small jars, flat bottomed mugs and pitchers.  The pottery had many uses such as agricultural, water transport and water control.

References:

John C. McGregor: Southwestern Archaeology University of Illinois Press.  Chicago, 1967

Gordon R. Wiley: An Introduction to American Archaeology Prentive-Hall, Inc.  New Jersey, 1966 

Written by Matt Swanson