The Role of Clay in Southwest Pottery Making The Role of Clay in Southwest Pottery Making 1. Different types of clay used in Southwest pottery Oh, the glorious Southwest, where the sun sets in hues of crimson gold and the sky stretches out as far as the spirit can roam. A region that’s been home to a ginormous palette of cultures for thousands of years, it is renowned for its treasure trove of pottery created from the earth’s very flesh – clay. But don’t be fooled into thinking that clay is just clay. Oh no, my pottery-curious friend. You see, the Southwest enjoys an enviable suite of particularly hearty clays…