Anasazi ceramics from every period were created by a process known as coiling. Balls of wet clay, sometimes combined with crushed rock or ceramics, become long strands of clay when rolled into a long noodle shape. The cords of clay coil around starting at the bottom of the ceramic and working up until the desired piece is formed. The shape of the ceramic is smoothed and then fired in a kiln to complete it.
During the time of the Early Basketmaker III period of Anasazi history, ceramics developed for the first time. Created from simple gray clay, these early ceramics fulfilled the basic needs of the Anasazi people. Most ceramics took the form of bowls, plates and other tools that people needed. As pottery became more prevalent, people began to decorate their plain gray ceramics with black dots and stripes painted with plant juices that darkened when fired.
During the Pueblo I period of Anasazi history, ceramics developed into an art rather than simply being used for necessities. New colors of clay created red, black and white ceramics. Artists decorated ceramics with geometric designs, dots and lines. Modern Anasazi style ceramics often mimic this. During the Pueblo I period, the upper part of ceramics would not be smoothed, so the coiled effect of the clay could be seen after its completion.
Pueblo periods II to III included even more complex designs and styles of ceramics. By this period, the distinct geometric designs Anasazi ceramics are known for became the norm. Regional differences created unique styles and decorations of ceramics as different groups of Anasazi developed unique cultures. Smoothed pottery became less common, as cookware with a rough exterior is aesthetically pleasing as well as stronger when it comes in contact with high levels of heat during cooking.