Author: Alexa Scattaregia, Marketing Specialist
Senora Lynch, a master potter from the Haliwa-Saponi tribe, has spent her life preserving and sharing the cultural traditions of her people through her art. Her pottery, which she calls “living traditions,” is more than just handcrafted clay—it is a visual language that tells the stories of her ancestors. Each piece reflects the deep spiritual and historical connections of the Haliwa-Saponi, incorporating sacred symbols, natural elements, and traditional knowledge passed down through generations.
Lynch’s journey with pottery began at 14 when she assisted tribal elders in a pottery class. Seeing ancient pottery shards and working alongside her elders sparked a deep appreciation for the craft. Her love for pottery has remained constant throughout her life. As she grew into adulthood, she found the chance to fully devote herself to pottery—and she’s been creating ever since.
Using a traditional hand-coiling method, Lynch meticulously shapes red clay, smoothing and polishing each coil by hand before etching intricate designs with white clay. Her patterns are deeply symbolic, inspired by the natural world and Haliwa-Saponi traditions. The dogwood flower signals the arrival of spring and planting season, while sacred plants like corn and tobacco represent life and unity. Birds, turtles, and water motifs also appear frequently, reflecting the spiritual connection between her people and the land.
Lynch’s artistry has earned national recognition. Her pottery has been exhibited at the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, and even the White House. In North Carolina, her work is a part of the museum’s collection, a testament to her impact on the state’s cultural heritage. In 2007 she received the North Carolina Heritage Award for her contributions to preserving and promoting Haliwa-Saponi traditions. She is also the 2013 recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the River People Music and Culture Fest.
Beyond her work as a potter, Lynch is a dedicated educator. She travels across the state teaching cultural workshops, sharing the history of the Haliwa-Saponi communities with students of all ages. Through hands-on lessons in pottery, beadwork, basketry, and regalia-making, she helps foster a deeper understanding of Indigenous history. She has also collaborated on public art projects, including The Gift, a large-scale brickwork walking path at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill that incorporates Haliwa-Saponi imagery and storytelling.
Lynch was also a featured speaker at the museum’s virtual Education Day during the 24th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration, where she demonstrated how to make a pinch pot. When asked by a kindergarten class about her favorite animal, she shared, “I make lots of turtles in many of my designs. Because the turtle is a symbol of Mother Earth, it is the symbol of long life.” One of Lynch’s turtle figurines is part of the NC Museum of History collection.
Lynch also spoke about the deep personal connection she feels to her art. “Everything goes into making pottery. Your energy goes into the pots, your joy, your love goes into making the pots. My mom would tell me, put your spirit in your art so people can see who you are and where you came from.”
For Lynch, pottery is more than an art form—it is a connection to the past and a way to ensure that Haliwa-Saponi traditions continue to flourish. She remains deeply committed to passing down these cultural stories, knowing that each piece she creates helps to keep her heritage alive.