Artist Media Series
Living Artists
Historic
Begay, Jr., Harrison – Jar with Yei and Eagle Feather Designs (2025)
5.25"w x 7"h
$ 1,600.00
Harrison Begay, Jr. has won numerous awards over the years for his deep-carved pottery. This jar has straight sides and the rim and base are fully polished. The jar is carved with a Yei figure on one side. What is a yei?
“Yei figures are often seen in Navajo sandpaintings and rugs. “Yei” (pronounced “yay”) is the Navajo name for the benevolent supernatural beings who bring their healing power to medicinal ceremonies still performed today.”
This Yei figure has a feathered headdress, and there are more feathers on the opposite side. As the jar is turned there are waterfalls and wind patterns. All the designs are either polished or matte. The highly stone-polished surface creates a strong visual distinction between the matte and polished surface. Note as well the style of carving, which has a beveled appearance to the angle of the cuts into the clay. This is a very distinctive style of carving for his pottery. The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Harrison ’25”.
In stock
Description
Harrison Begay, Jr. has won numerous awards over the years for his deep-carved pottery. This jar has straight sides and the rim and base are fully polished. The jar is carved with a Yei figure on one side. What is a yei?
“Yei figures are often seen in Navajo sandpaintings and rugs. “Yei” (pronounced “yay”) is the Navajo name for the benevolent supernatural beings who bring their healing power to medicinal ceremonies still performed today.”
This Yei figure has a feathered headdress, and there are more feathers on the opposite side. As the jar is turned there are waterfalls and wind patterns. All the designs are either polished or matte. The highly stone-polished surface creates a strong visual distinction between the matte and polished surface. Note as well the style of carving, which has a beveled appearance to the angle of the cuts into the clay. This is a very distinctive style of carving for his pottery. The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Harrison ’25”.
Learn More
While living at Santa Clara Pueblo, Harrison Begay Jr. learned to make Santa Clara style carved and polished pottery. While many of his earlier pieces utilized Santa Clara imagery, today, his designs are focused on Navajo and petroglyph patterns. Harrison has won numerous awards for his work and continues to be one of the leading innovators in Native American Indian pottery.
From Jeddito, Keams Canyon, Arizona, Harrison originally trained as a painter, but while married at Santa Clara Pueblo, he was taught the fine art of Santa Clara style pottery making from his mother-in-law. Harrison began to enter his pieces in various shows, winning numerous awards. His works are featured in galleries, museums, and private collections around the world. His talent for graphic Native petroglyph style designs is reflected in the deep-cut patterns and monochromatic shapes. We are pleased to carry Harison's wonderful pottery in our Santa Fe and Scottsdale Galleries.
Brand
Begay, Jr., Harrison (b. 1961)
