Clay vessels and shards that date to 100 AD have been found in the southwest and identified from the Early Pithouse period or the Mogollon I period. The earliest pieces discovered are generally plain grey-bodied, though later pots reveal ornamental details applied to functional vessels. The coiled pots and shards are often patterned with indentations or painted geometric designs and later figurative designs. Archaeologists have used this information to trace the technological advances of the southwest's early people. The Mimbres bowls, identified by their figurative designs of animals and birds, have been uncovered in graves where a bowl would be placed over the head of the deceased.
Archaeologists believe that a hole was punched in the pot to allow the person's spirit to ascend.
The holes rarely interfere with the decorative surface design. Today, it provides a physical record of an ancient culture. It is likely that the pueblo pottery tradition stems from these ancient people. Originally, storage vessels provided a key to survival, storing foodstuffs during droughts and long winter months. Today, the production of beautiful functional and non-utilitarian vessels, with respect for ancient traditions, provides many pueblo people with the means of economic and spiritual survival in contemporary society.