This is a unique flat-top bowl by Jacob Koopee. The piece is coil-built and stone polished.  It is painted with bee-weed (black) and two different colors of clay.  It was in the early 2000s that Jake began making pieces with such complex colorations.  The unique part of this bowl is the shape.  It has a narrow base and a nearly flat top!  It is amazing he was able to create this form and have it perfectly balanced!  The top is painted with a four-part eagle tail design.  The ends of the eagle tails extend over the shoulder.  The designs are angular and have a modernist appearance.  The bowl was traditionally fired to create the blushes on the surface.  It is signed on the bottom, “Koopee” along with his flute player hallmark.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.   Jake won numerous awards during his career, including “Best of Show” in 2005 at both the Santa Fe Indian Market and the Heard Museum Market.  I was lucky to have been a pottery judge both years at both events, and it was exciting to see an artist create such dynamic work.

“I have been making pottery for about six years now (starting in 1990). I am well noted for making enormous pieces. I also put a lot of kachinas on my pottery. My passion of art in pottery has made me realize the importance of sharing it with others. Mainly with the younger generation.  I collect my own materials, I make my own clay, mold my pots (hand-coiled), make my own paint (from wild mustard), paint with yucca brushes, and fire with sheep manure. I will continue this tradition and keep the children and grown-ups educated on the undying art of pottery, just like my grandmothers did!!” Jacob Koopee, Jr,, Spoken Through Clay