Robert Patricio is known for his classic forms and use of both traditional and pre-historic imagery.  This jar is coil built and thin-walled. It has a classic water jar shape with a high shoulder and short neck.  The jar is painted with a polychrome design called “Sunset Lighting”.  There are two different red clay slips along with the white clay. It creates a striking coloration with the two reds having the appearance of shading.  Note as well all the thin “fine-lines” used in the deeper red areas. The jar has both an ancient and very modern appearance.  Robert is certainly one of the leading traditional Acoma potters working today which is evidenced by his stunning forms and complementary designs.  The jar is signed on the bottom, “R. M. Patricio”.  The last photo is of Robert holding the jar.

Robert said recently of his pottery:

““The pottery inspires me to keep going.  Keeping the tradition alive in making pottery, that’s how we were brought up.  Our ancestors started making pottery.  It’s amazing what comes of a piece of clay. When you come to Acoma it’s peacuful and quite.  When you look a piece of pottery, you see the same peacefulness.”   Robert Patricio, 2020