This is a striking wide-shoulder seed bowl by Jacob Koopee. The jar is coil-built and stone polished.  It is thin-walled and fully polished.  The top has a polished red square-shaped design.  Extending to the rim are cloud patterns with mottled red and black areas.  Extending outward from the red square section are lines representing rain.  The black is bee-weed (a plant) and the red is a clay slip. There are blushes on the surface of the piece from the outdoor firing.  It is a striking variation in colors across the surface.  It is signed on the bottom, “Koopee” along with his flute player hallmark.  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