Inlay

About Inlays

Inlays are a relatively recent development in the world of Native American pottery. To make an inlay, it is necessary to carve a close-fitting groove or notch on a piece in which to set the inlay. Then the piece is fired and once cooled, whatever the inlay material is, it is glued in place.

Often, the inlay is composed of a cabuchon of turquoise or other semi-precious stone, or perhaps a piece of coral. Sometimes it is a strand (or strands) of heishe beads. Sometimes it is a small piece of sculpted silver, like Preston Duwyenie's Shifting Sands designs.

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