Begaye, Nathan – Double Shoulder “Layered” Incised Water Jar (1998)

Nathan Begaye was a unique innovator among Pueblo and Navajo potters.  His ethnic ancestry of both Hopi and Navajo let his work flow between the two distinctive styles and yet find their own unique space.  His work used traditional designs, forms, and techniques, yet somehow appeared very modern.  For many of his pieces, he would talk about them being “layered”, much like his own cultural and personal experiences.  That is often the best way to look at these pieces and extract something from each of the varied layers. This tall jar is coil-built and made from native clay.  The top half is sanded and has a subtle texture.  The bottom half is incised with swirling clouds.  The “layered” part is the coloration.  Nathan dripped what looks like possibly gold luster down the sides of the jar so that it ran through areas of the incised designs.  The jar was then reduction fired so there are just traces of the gold in the black.  It is an interesting treatment of surface and color. The jar is signed on the bottom, “Nathan Begaye Hopi Navajo”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.

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Begaye, Nathan (1958-2010)

Nathan Begaye was a unique innovator among Pueblo and Navajo potters. His ethnic connection to both Hopi and Navajo let his work flow between the two distinctive styles and yet find their own unique space. His work used traditional designs, forms, and techniques, yet somehow appeared very modern. Nathan was one of the innovators of Native pottery and was featured in numerous books, including "Free Spirit: The New Native American Indian Potter", "Beyond Traditions" and others. His pottery can also be found in the permanent collection of the Heard and other museums.