Wampanoag Made Pottery, Art and Jewelry
Wampanoag Made Pottery, Art and Jewelry
Jennifer Staples, a proud member of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head, Aquinnah, is a celebrated potter and artisan known for her unique creations using the rare clay from the Gay Head Cliffs on Martha's Vineyard. Her journey as a potter began with a deep connection to her heritage and a desire to revive the lost art form that had faded with the passing of the esteemed tribal elder, Gladys Widdiss.
Teaching herself the intricate process of working with the Gay Head Cliffs clay, Jennifer meticulously crafts each piece with a blend of tradition and innovation. Her pottery reflects the natural beauty of the cliffs and embodies the spirit of her ancestors, preserving the cultural heritage of the Wampanoag Tribe.
Artist Statement:
My Wampanoag heritage is at the heart of everything I create. As a potter, I believe I was born with the instructions to understand and work with the sacred clay from the Gay Head Cliffs. This ancestral connection is more than artistic—it's spiritual and deeply healing. Working with the clay grounds me, helps me feel better, and reconnects me to the strength and beauty of my tribal community. Each vessel I shape is a way to lift the spirit of my people by honoring the traditions of our Aquinnah Wampanoag potters who came before me. Through the smooth, burnished surfaces and natural hues of Gay Head Clay, I strive to echo the past while offering a sense of continuity and pride in who we are. My art is both a personal healing practice and a cultural calling—an offering to my community and a reflection of our resilience.
