Native American pottery dates as far back as 2,000 years ago. It was then that nomadic peoples began to settle down. They learned to make pottery that varied in shape. The shape was dependent on what purpose the pottery was to serve. Native Americans used pottery to hold water, store grains, and preserve seeds for the next planting season.

Also among other examples of Native American pottery were the pots that would sit on open fires for cooking. In the beginning, Native American pottery was created for practical uses rather than the artistry of the piece. The pieces were plain and usually unsymmetrical. At some point though, it became important to the Native American Indians to decorate their pots.