Roller, Jeff – “Above the Clouds” Brown Jar with Big Horn Sheep Lid (2025)

This is a classic jar by Jeff Roller.  He creates exceptional traditional pottery.  Not only is there remarkable attention to the crisp carved lines in his work, but an evenness to his stone-polished surfaces. In addition to his distinctive sculptural additions to his pottery, he creates something unique in Santa Clara pottery.  This jar is coil-built, carved, polished and traditionally fired brown. The jar has carved clouds around the neck and below are carved mountains.  Above them all is the lid, a standing Big Horn Sheep that is sculpted from Santa Clara clay.  The detail on the figure is exceptional!  The coloration adds to the impact of both lid and bowl.  It is stunning in person!  The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Jeff Roller”.

Brand

Roller, Jeff (b. 1963)

Jeff Roller is known for both his pottery and sculpting abilities. He learned to make pottery from his mother, Toni Roller, and he is also a grandson of noted potter, Margaret Tafoya (1904-2001). He continues to make traditional pottery and there is remarkable attention to the crisp carved lines in his work as well as an evenness to his stone polished surfaces. Jeff has won numerous awards at Santa Fe Indian Market and the Heard Indian Fair for his pottery. His work continues to evolve with more complicated forms and detailed animals.