Jason Takala has long been one of the most sought-after Hopi jewelers creating the classic double overlay.  Each piece is creatively designed and then cut out of sterling silver or gold and then soldered to the second piece of silver.  As long as I have known Jason, he has been fascinated with making “pottery” in silver.  This is one of his larger and more complex pieces.  It is the first time he has made a double overlay silver vessel with three sides. Each side has a different design and they are each inspired by Hopi hummingbirds.  One side has coral insets, one a single piece of turquoise and the third a 14K gold Man-in-the-Maze design and gold sun.  The play of the various designs across the surface is extraordinary. The top of the piece has a single hummingbird tightly cut into the silver. There is a silver lid with a piece of turquoise on top.   It is not just technically difficult but a very creative piece!  The background area that is black is also stamped with the design and then oxidized black.  It is a piece of exceptional complexity in design and technique.  It is stamped on the bottom with his signature hallmark, his name, and 14K gold and Sterling Silver.