Koopee, Jacob – Polychrome Jar with Interlocking Sikyatki Birds (2000s)

9.25"w x 4.25"h

$ 4,000.00

This is an iconic jar by Jacob Koopee. The jar is coil-built and stone polished.  It is painted with bee-weed (black) and four different colors of clay.  It was in the early 2000s that Jake began making pieces with such complex colorations.  The top of this jar is fully painted with swirling or interlocking Sikyatki inspired birds. The birds spiral and flow across the surface of the piece. The dark red and light red clay slip areas are polished. This jar also has the mauve-colored clay that he used for a short while.  Interestingly, to create additional colors he would use the same clays but “mottle” them so that they were matte and textured instead of polished.  A creative way to add more slight nuances to the visual impact of the design. Note the number of sections of bird wings on the jar and how many are individually stone polished!  The bottom of the bowl has two figures along with four handprints. The hands are surrounded by a speckling of white and black. They represent the two figures holding up the universe.  It is a phenomenal jar, reflecting his skill and creativity as a potter and artist.  The jar was traditionally fired with light blushes.  It is signed on the bottom, “Koopee”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.   Jake won numerous awards during his career including “Best of Show” in 2005 at both 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