First posted by Dean Wilson 2014

Taos Micaceous was described by Ellis and Brody (1964). Pottery assigned to this type refers to utility ware forms thought to have been produced in Taos Pueblo during the eighteenth and nineteenth century. (Eiselt 2005; Ellis and Brody 1968). The development of this type appears to be the result of interaction between potters from Taos Pueblo and Jicarilla Apaches who moved into the Taos Valley during the early eighteenth century Woosley and Olinger 1989). A common origin seems to be indicated by similarities between pottery contemporaneous pottery produced at Taos Pueblo and that produced by Jicarilla Apache groups (Eiselt 2005; Woosley and Olinger 1989). Pottery commonly assigned to Taos Micaceous is similar to the general categories described here for unpolished micaceous pottery defined for both the Jicarilla Apache and the Northern Rio Grande or Tewa traditions, Like other micaceous forms clays appear to represent a fine residual micaceous clay. Pastes tend to be dark gray to black. A thick micaceous slip appears to have been applied over a lightly polished compact surface resulting in a glossy finish. Surfaces are also more likely to be oxidized than other unpolished micaceous types. During the later span of its production the pottery associated with this type seems to be more variable.

References:
Eiselt 2005

Ellis, Florence H., and J. J. Brody
1964 Ceramic Stratigraphy and Tribal History at Taos Pueblo. American Antiquity 29 (3):316-327.

Woosley, Anne I., and Bart Olinger
1990 Ethnicity and Production of Micaceous Ware in the Taos Valley. In Clues to the Past: Papers in Honor of William M. Sundt, edited by M. S. Duran and D. T, Kirkpatrick. Papers of the Archeological Society of New Mexico, No. 16, Albuquerque.

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Taos Micaceous pitcher

Taos Micaceous double handled jar with lid

Taos Micaceous pitcher

Taos Micaceous bowl