Question

pueblo pottery
pieces of the past
discoveries of remnants of american indian pottery in north america provide a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of native cultures. over the years, archaeologists have found potsherds from as long ago as 10,000 b.c. these broken bits of pottery prove that american indians were making and using clay vessels long before they were leaving written records. the potsherds also offer clues to how early american indian pots were made and used.
in the southwestern united states, some ancient potsherds have markings suggesting that american indians of that region wove baskets and then lined them with mud or clay. they put corn or other foods in the clay - lined vessels and heated them over fire, probably to dry the contents. over the fire, the woven basket fibers burned away and the mud or clay hardened, leaving a durable pot.
continuing the tradition
the art of pottery making continues today in pueblos, or pueblo indian communities, in new mexico and arizona. some of these communities can trace their peoples history back 2,000 years or more. their traditions include methods and styles of pottery making exactly like those of the earliest southwestern potters, passed down generation to generation. the pottery, with its connection to the past and its place in modern culture, is admired for the unique qualities of each piece and for the way each piece embodies both art and functionality.
the traditional pueblo process of making pottery begins with finding the clay. certain clays are better for pots than others are, and many potters have secret sources that they share with their kin. the clay is chosen for its
one important idea explored in this passage is the merging of old and new.
which information from the section titled “maria martinez” best refines this idea?

1. martinez’s pueblo pottery is valuable and has won awards.
2. martinez’s lessons with her children and grandchildren revealed her passion for family and art.
3. martinez’s efforts helped reclaim the pueblo indians’ position among the very best american artists.
4. martinez’s experience with the ancient potsherds led her to adapt the procedure to create blackware.

Explanation:

To refine the idea of merging old and new, we need an option showing a connection between ancient (old) and modern (new) pottery. Option 4 states that Martinez's experience with ancient potsherds (old) led her to adapt the procedure to create blackware (new), which directly shows the merging of old and new. Option 1 is about the value/awards of her pottery, not merging old and new. Option 2 is about her passion for family and art, not related to merging old and new. Option 3 is about reclaiming the Pueblo Indians' position as artists, not about merging old and new techniques or ideas.

Answer:

1. Martinez’s experience with the ancient potsherds led her to adapt the procedure to create blackware.