Cherokee Blackware Dancing Swallows Pot, 9", by Joel Queen (Eastern Cherokee)

Eleven deeply carved, interlocking swallows flit around the outside of this gorgeous blackware pot by Joel Queen. A flock of swallows flying in a circle in the spring inspired him to create this compelling design. A tall vase with this design received the Grand Award for Best of Show at Red Earth in Oklahoma in June, 2009.

The pot has a rounded bottom, which was traditional for Cherokee cooking pots that were set directly in the coals. The perfect shape, deep, clean carving and high polish of this pot, as well as its graceful, original design, show why Joel is considered to be one of the top Native potters today.

Joel digs and prepares his clay according to his own formula for his blackware, which he fires outdoors with horse manure and pine. Also known for his traditional Cherokee pottery, raku, wood carvings and baskets, he is a member of the Bigmeat family, who have making pottery for eight generations.

Height 9", width 10 1/2", comes with plexiglass ring.