About Us

About Mayta Clay
Payment Policy
Shipping
Our Guarantee
Refunds
Wholesale Inquiries
Contact Us

About Mayta Clay

When I was a professional potter I lived, breathed, and dreamed about pottery. Beginning as an apprentice and eventually mastering the wheel I developed a deep understanding and appreciation of the ceramic arts. I am privileged to be able to share this passion with you, trading as Mayta Clay.

Throughout the 80's and early 90's I was an active member of the artistic community in Baltimore, MD where I sold my work in art shows and galleries and even opened a pottery store. In 1992 a friend convinced me to use my experience and artistic skills to effect the lives and attitudes of our city's youth. So I accepted a position directing an experimental art and education program for the Maryland Committee for Children, where I spent most of the next ten years.

In 2000 I took advantage of a part-time job offer that, unknown to me at the time, would eventually make Mayta Clay what it is today. A company hired me to photograph the progress of a multi-faceted project on the Nicaraguan Pacific coast. I wanted a tan in winter; it was a perfect situation. Only I didn't expect to fall in love the country, its people and its pottery! When my liaison in Nicaragua found out I had an interest in ceramics she immediately insisted on driving me two hours to a quiet little village, nestled in the hills between two sleeping volcanoes, to a spot that literally wasn't on the map.

Today the village of San Juan de Oriente is rapidly adapting to the modern world, but it wasn't always so. The cobblestone streets and dirt paths lined with pastel colored adobe houses made walking around the town feel like stepping through an unseen door into the past. It was intimidating and wonderful at the same time. Like a treasure hunter I somehow felt that a determined look beyond the surface of this dusty, pueblo would yield some hidden gems. I was not disappointed, the pottery and talent I found was truly overwhelming.

Since then I followed my heart and sense of adventure back to visit these unique artisans many times. Somewhere along the line I decided it would be great to be able to work with these talented artists and took the first steps to bring this artful pottery back to America. However, of paramount importance was that the venture be sustainable and worthwhile for all concerned. The potters and their families have been very gracious, often inviting me into their homes to talk about bringing their art to a wider audience.

Also of importance is the continuation of their ceramic tradition, which has become one of the strongest links to the pre-Colombian heritage of the Nicaraguan people. The potters are still using designs and techniques handed down from one generation to the next, reaching back centuries before Europeans ever set foot in the New World. They painstakingly make one delicate piece at a time and dry it in the tropical sun. The fact that this village of less than 3,000 people produces such extraordinarily talented artists is a testament both to their skill and to the ancestral gifts left by generations past.

The beauty of their work is evident where it counts- in the pots. And as founder of Mayta Clay I am proud to present this work as a bridge, not only between cultures, but also in time.

Reece Guth
September, 2002

For more information on the history and pottery of San Juan de Oriente please click on the "About Our Products" tab.

Below is a sampling of actual unsolicited comments that were sent to Mayta Clay by customers from around the USA after receiving their pottery:

"I am amazed at the variety of design in each piece." Roseanne D., California

"What a fine pot!" Audrey H., Canada

"The pottery is great and so is the price. You are one of the nicest people to deal with… People…buying from you can do so with confidence… These pieces were just superb in detail and workmanship. Oh yes and very well packed. I am a very happy well satisfied customer." Deb C., Michigan

"The pottery is absolutely beautiful… The picture just did not do it justice until you actually see it in person. I love it… and may I add, NO ONE BEATS YOU IN PACKAGING." Melody H., New York

"I am very happy with my purchases." Ada L., Florida

"I am truly dazzled! What a fabulous pot. I was unprepared for the overall impact of it... the lustrous surface, the fine & complex design. Although the photos were clearly accurate... the presence of the olla is beyond my expectations. I am DELIGHTED. You have launched a collector. Many, many thanks." Audrey H., Canada

"Thanks so very much for your super work in making the sale and delivery work so excellently. It has been a pleasure to deal with you. Thanks again for your great service!" Joe C., New Mexico

"You really know how to pack …!!!" Linda F., Illinois

"Thank you for making such unique pottery available to all of us. It is a pleasure to have and to hold." Sincerely, Chris W., Arkansas

"Thank you so much! The pottery is absolutely beautiful!" Suzy W., Maryland

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Payment Policy

Mayta Clay accepts Visa, Mastercard and Discover.

We also accept Pay Pal, Checks and Money Orders.

Payment Information for Pay Pal, Checks and Money Orders:

We will email you a grand total and order/confirmation number within 24 hours of order placement.

For those who prefer Pay Pal, you can send payment to: MaytaClay@comcast.net. You must include the order/confirmation number with your payment! (Make sure you spell it correctly!)

For Checks and Money Orders:
Make all Checks and Money Orders payable to: Mayta Clay

Send Payments To:

Mayta Clay
110 Painters Mill Road
Suite 11
Owings Mills, MD 21117

You must remember to write your order/confirmation on your check or money order. Delays will result without the inclusion of your order number! You will be notified when your check or money order is received. Checks must clear before Mayta Clay will ship your item, Pay Pal and Money Order payments will ship within 72 hours.

Items will be held for a maximum of 10 calendar days. If payment does not arrive within 10 days your item will be returned to our inventory for others to buy.
If you have any questions or concerns feel free to email us at: staff@MaytaClay.com or click on the "Contact Us" tab.

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Shipping

All pottery will be sent insured via UPS ground, FREE of charge in the continental United States! Orders paid for by credit card or Pay Pal will ship within 72 hours of order confirmation. Money Order orders will ship within 72 hours of receipt. Check orders will ship within 72 hours of clearing. You will be notified upon shipment with a UPS tracking number.

International orders will be processed on an individual basis and will be sent by United States Postal Service and must pre-pay the quoted USPO postal rate. Please contact us at intlorders@MaytaClay.com to arrange for the prompt handling of your order. We will declare the full purchase price and mark items as "merchandise" as required by US law. We are not responsible for any taxes, tariffs or delays. We can, however, use Express Mail, which is only slightly more expensive than airmail (and worth it) but is quicker and provides a tracking number.

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Mayta Clay Guarantee

Mayta Clay guarantees the condition of any item you buy. We guarantee that your pottery will arrive as described and undamaged. Your complete satisfaction is our number one priority! We put a great deal of effort into the safe packaging and overall selection of only quality pieces and are confident that you will be happy with your purchase.

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Our Refund Policy

It is very rare that a package will sustain damage serious enough to break your pottery. It is the policy of Mayta Clay to insure all packages. If you receive a damaged piece please email us at shipping@MaytaClay.com with your order number and call the number on you UPS receipt. Mayta Clay has an excellent reputation for safe shipping and will make sure you are reimbursed ASAP.

If you are not satisfied with your product and wish to return it for a refund or another product, we will gladly do so given you follow these criteria:

1. Email us with your order number and the reason for the return before sending the pottery back.
2. Returns must be made within 1 week from the time your order was received. You will need the UPS receipt.
3. Items must be in the same condition it was when you received it. Damaged items will not be accepted for return.
4. Please consider that we can only refund the cost of the item, shipping fees are not refundable. The buyer must pay for shipping when returning items for any reason other than damage or receipt of the incorrect item. We apologize for any inconvenience.

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Wholesale Inquiries

Mayta Clay is proud to be able to offer these fine pieces of pottery at wholesale prices to gallery and store owners. If you are interested in carrying this unique pottery please feel free to contact us at wholesaleinqs@MaytaClay.com for price quotes and information. Wholesale orders start at $400 for a first order. We will take the time to customize your order for your maximum benefit and have an excellent success rate in several states with consistent reorders from almost every account!

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Contact Us

Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns. Use the "Contact Us" tab or send your email to: staff@MaytaClay.com Our hours of operation are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Thank you!

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