This is the first time we had a canteen by Robert Patricio.  He is known for his classic forms and use of both traditional and pre-historic imagery.  This canteen is coil-built and thin-walled.  The shape of the canteen is striking, as he formed it so that it sits flat, but at an angle.  This definitely shows off the form from the side.  In-person, it also shows off the design. The canteen has two braided handles that are slipped red. The back of the canteen is also slipped red.  The front is painted with bee-weed and it is the famous Acoma lightning design.  Note how the design starts at the base and expands upward and outward!  The pattern isn’t static and matches the shape of the canteen.  It’s a great use of form and design.  Robert is certainly one of the leading traditional Acoma potters working today which is evidenced by his stunning forms and complex designs.  The jar is signed on the bottom, “R. M. Patricio”.

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