The Lost Art of Hopi Coal Fired Pottery With Bobby Silas

Bobby Silas is a friend of mine and an extraordinary artist. He was inspired by ancestral Hopi pottery (Hisatsinom) and went about recreating it using materials he found around the Hopi homeland. Now he is the only Hopi making authentic coal fired Sikyatki Polychrome pottery. This video tells his story, how he found all the right clays, minerals and lignite coal that his ancestors used and figured out how to make and fire this pottery in the old way.
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[@denisesarazin6753]

This made me so emotional. My sister and I were at Acoma Pueblo years ago and were awestruck by the pottery (we bought a few pieces, and now I appreciate mine even more). It’s so nice to see how this Hopi descendant figured out how to revive the ancient practices of his ancestors. I’d love to see more videos like this.

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks

[@EarthKeeperSelinaMu]

No question that his ancestors were watching over him and helping him to remember. This is such a beautiful and inspiring story. Thank you for sharing it I feel blessed.

[@timpagano9444]

I've been working throwing and hand building for 30+ years. This man has joyfully shown me how very little I know about the true passions of the art. Simply stunning. There are no words except thank you for sharing his journey of heritage.

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you. Bobby’s story is inspiring.

[@user-jd9kg3pd9z]

Bobby you do a great job narrating this video and telling us your story. I figure 400 years and 5 generations per century then you have gone back 20 generations in time to bring back the ancestors knowledge and craftsmanship. INCREDIBLE ACCOMPLISHMENT! In my humble opinion that is a heroic achievement on your part. Your skill set is impressive and your work is beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story with us all. I wish you all the best and continued success. Sincerely, Pete

[@AncientPottery]

Well said

[@bethbartlett5692]

​@@AncientPottery Copy of my comment: I felt her emotion as her desire was building in achievement and that emotion erupted through me and like a sort of volcano, tears of Joy flowed down my cheeks. Energy Vibration and Frequency Our everything, and it manifests into our reality. The "True Science" "Quantum Physics Science" and the "True Natural Magic" of Creating. Excellent communication of her Journey, in an Excellent Documentary Production. I'm simply stunned at my Discovery of this Contrnt. It is Awards worthy ... Beth Barrett Sociologist/Behavioralist and Historian Tennessee, USA ... an artist by gift of birth 🏹

[@KatheHanna]

OMG the burning beehive of coal is the coolest thing I have ever seen

[@AncientPottery]

Definitely

[@tybirdinground]

Pottery and poetry. This was moving, interesting, and focused. I so appreciate your story, and sharing this detailed documentary. I am a tribal member of the Pima (Gila River) and Crow (Montana). It was a pleasure to see all of your work. I hope you the very best and look forward to another venture via KZbin or otherwise. "A-ho,"... the word for, "thank you," in the Crow language.

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you so much!

[@nicholassangster4556]

So cool to see a young man enthusiastically uncovering his culture through art. I hope to visit and learn about Hopi art one day

[@AncientPottery]

Indeed. Hopi is worth visiting.

[@candycoatedcactus]

What an INCREDIBLE story! Thank you so much for sharing Bobby. Thank you for bringing his story to us Andy.

[@AncientPottery]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@c.brooks3013]

Love the excitement and pride in his voice! So well done and so absolutely beautiful! I hope he's teaching everyone who wants to learn, this is knowledge that should not be lost ever again.

[@julyjuniper573]

I adore this video. Just starting this primitive pottery journey, and it’s so fun to see this process. Plus, the Ramones shirt with this traditional calling- what’s more punk than making time traveling art?! Great stuff.

[@AncientPottery]

That's great, I am passing this comment on to Bobby!

[@harlemsar]

Wow... just.... wow, i'm from Colombia, i remember as a child going to the preconquest museum, checking all the pottery from 600 years ago, i feel like i can bring back some of those designs, i will do it the next time i go back to my old town.

[@LaLaArtStudio]

Will you please share your findings with our community 🙏🏼 how may we find you?

[@6bonjour]

Amazing and beautiful. I really appreciate that you documented this technique. As far as i know, no one has done it before.

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks Wes. It was my honor to be able to film this process.

[@user-jd9kg3pd9z]

Second time watching this video, and this time around I paid attention to the pot shards you pulled out of the old mound of rubble. GORGEOUS STUFF, breath taking. I love it. Years ago I went on a tour of ancient archeology sites of Ancient Greece and Minoan Crete (big island between Greece and Egypt) and it was common to see pot shards in the gravel paths. I would stop and stare at my feet in disbelief. Pete

[@silverroses248]

that was truly beautiful! It gave me goosebumps when he unveils the finished pottery! stunning beyond belief and Im so happy that he was able to resurrect this authentic lost process of firing with coal.

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you, truly.

[@miguelpaul1164]

That was the best video l!! The story telling and how Silas and his partner developed and recreated the yellow pottery. Beautiful!!! Thanks for bringing that story to us Andy!!!

[@AncientPottery]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bje2920]

This is one of my favorite videos on KZbin I watch it 3 are 4 times a week

[@AncientPottery]

So glad to hear that, Bobby will be glad to know it too.

[@paestrada15]

I get like crying! Amazing work Bobby and Andy for providing such wonderful insight

[@AncientPottery]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@brennagarten317]

Thank you, Andy, for sharing this inspiring story of a creative journey that begins as a desire to find yellow but evolves into recreating historic native culture.

[@AncientPottery]

My pleasure!

[@corporealexistence9467]

Some of the only happy memories I have from childhood is building models with my father. Due to a lot of damage & pain, I can no longer hold things steady for details. I so envy the delicate strokes,, the precision of the lining. Pursue your passion and you will never work a day as the old saying goes (kinda lol).

[@raisingarizona2008]

So much symbolism from the dragon fly to the clouds it feels so true to the ancestral people.

[@siiiriously3226]

beautiful! i´m so glad this method gets recovered for hopi. a true sign of the resilience of natives. fuck (neo)colonialism. long live peace and solidarity amonst all peoples.

[@AncientAmericas]

Awesome episode! Great story behind a beautiful piece of work!

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you

[@bearcatben4762]

This is so cool that you're here

[@AncientAmericas]

@@bearcatben4762 It's a great channel! Everyone should be here!

[@TrailBlazer5280]

Incredibly talented artist, his design work is amazing

[@chucklearnslithics3751]

What a fantastic story of experimental archaeology and rediscovery!

[@hypnotourist]

This is the most beautiful and meaningful way to connect to the land and to those who walked it before. ❤️

[@bonniefrench9884]

What an amazing journey ! Wow ! Beautiful ! Well done ! To be able to recapture the art and skills of your Hopi ancestors had to be momentous !

[@janispayne5570]

Thank you for sharing your story. Absolutely beautiful pottery and so interesting how it is made.

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks. Bobby has an amazing story, just glad I was allowed to help him tell it.

[@notmefrfr]

Gosh dang! This guy makes amazing pottery!

[@shastanamoki9560]

Awesome Bobby 🕷 I am so proud of you.

[@AncientPottery]

He is so talented

[@feroxartem]

Beautiful work of hopi ppl, love the one with butterfly design. Could look at those patterns all day.

[@AncientPottery]

I agree!

[@Makete100]

This is such an inspiring story. Thank you for telling his story and journey.

[@AncientPottery]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@CarrieMtn]

I loved the first person story telling. What a creative and courageous young man.

[@AncientPottery]

He really is.

[@teresagray8787]

Ohh so nice. Well done on the pottery and the video. Beautiful story.

[@AncientPottery]

Yes thanks.

[@g2k73]

This video is a treasure.

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks

[@terryfinley7760]

So happy for you Bobby! That’s quite an accomplishment!

[@AncientPottery]

He is a very talented artists.

[@jennifer7685]

Oh wow, what a masterful artist!

[@AncientPottery]

yes he is, thanks.

[@halraines9]

Such a beautiful journey into this young man's history. Thanks Bobby. I appreciate your sharing your discoveries w/ us.

[@wildsmooth9201]

What an inspiration.

[@AncientPottery]

Yes he is.

[@1a1u0g9t4s2u]

The story telling, videography and editing was supreme. This by far is my favorite video (still binge watching to get to the current video). So glad you were able to document this and hope it receives a wider audience. Have you and Bobby Silas considered submitting this to the Library of Congress? A week or more ago I enrolled in your newsletter list. Hoping there will be a future workshop/class with Bobby Silas and yourself. Thanks for sharing.

[@user-ps7jf5nj2m]

You are an inspiration Bobby, thank you

[@journeywithnichole986]

I hung on every word and didn’t blink during entire video. Thank you so much for sharing this. ❤️

[@DavidHuber63]

God provides the ingredients, including your heart, to bring it all together. 🙏🏼💜

[@ShelleeGraham]

FANTASTIC video, beautifully photographed, recorded and what a gorgeous piece of pottery created. I’m amazed and so happy to have seen this. GREAT WORK, Andy and thank you Bobby Silas. WOW.

[@janicewolk6492]

Phenomenal to see the steadiness of his hand . It would be informative to learn the meaning of the motifs.

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

A beautiful and inspiring video.

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you

[@user-jd9kg3pd9z]

Andy you did a fantastic job producing this video. It’s one of my favorites. I’m really impressed. Pete

[@AncientPottery]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@user-jd9kg3pd9z]

@@AncientPottery normally I’m so busy watching you teach I don’t pay attention to the production quality of the video. Then at the end of the video when I saw you sitting on the couch I realized you film the video. I was amazed. Pete

[@tomasneel1980]

Made Hopi replicas all my life exactly like this. Nice job Bobby Silas.

[@virginiajorgensen8614]

Beautiful pottery and story.

[@loborome]

Great job! Bobby and Andy!

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks for watching

[@digitalice7875]

2nd time watching this video. The artistry is phenomenal. His story and adventure to discovery is inspiring. Thanks for sharing.

[@echeyde100]

very impresive ceramic you make it very especial thank you very much

[@cliffordkelly5327]

Bobby & Andy , what an amazing Documentary of a beautiful art that was almost lost & a truly blessed young man to bring pride back to his Nation ! It was very obvious that his Elders were encouraging Bobby all along the way to realize his heart-felt love & desire ! Kudos to the both of you !

[@AncientPottery]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@angelafoxmusic7265]

How wonderful! Exquisite art.😊

[@nom_b]

Wow. Amazing story and fantastic video. Just beautiful all of it. Thanks you both for sharing this story.

[@AncientPottery]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sammoore9120]

That is a beautiful pot!

[@AncientPottery]

It sure is.

[@C-M-E]

You had me at coal-fired, but the detail in that pottery is incredible! I can hardly believe all that was done freehand, and it's all the better with indigenous materials. Add: For anyone else who's never tried or worked with coal, it's takes a lot of heat to get it going, and depending on type, lots of sustained airflow. Typically you have to have a fire to start a coal fire. I've tried bituminous and it smells godawful until you burn off the impurities like sulfur and cokes up; it smokes a ton and if you try it in the city, you'll stink up the whole block. Lignite is a less refined version of bituminous and I can only imagine the stink he had to put up with. I switched to anthracite about two years ago now, and while it's a bit of a pain to get started, you'll need constant airflow to keep it going or it will go out on its own, but you can't match the heat it gives off or burn duration (I've melted down a 1" cast iron plate for example without meaning to!). Start with a charcoal fire and a small automated blower (leaf blower is a bit too much volume but the right size if you have a long run of tubing to get to your firebox) On the flip side, it pops a lot and will not hesitate to start nearby objects like lawns or kiddie pools on fire, and you'll be filthy by the end of it. The aroma anthracite puts off is fairly pleasant to me, almost like an earthy sugar aroma.

[@AncientPottery]

Ha ha, good info. Thanks!

[@kateryan190]

Oh my ! That jar is breathtaking!

[@anusophiakarthikeyan2155]

20:20 stunning, Gift from Earth.

[@Gurukittyart]

This is magical . I literally wept ❤

[@tatovive]

F man, this was amazing in so many ways. Thank you

[@AncientPottery]

You're very welcome!

[@simonphoenix3789]

oh wow that pot is incredible... the effort of painting all that alone is remarkable.

[@AncientPottery]

yes it is

[@manchitas3531]

What a beauty!!!

[@winderofcoils]

Such talent and creativity. Some of the most beautiful pottery ever.

[@ivargasbushcrafts]

WOW!! What a beautiful piece! 🤩🔥

[@mirianguimaraes8241]

Incrível !!! 😊 ❤❤❤❤❤❤ Parabéns por todo esse carinho de " dar vida " ao passado ! Que talento impressionante ! 😊 ❤❤❤❤❤

[@the_green_anna]

Wow! So beautiful! 😍

[@AncientPottery]

Agreed

[@lisascenic]

This is so incredibly moving.

[@jamesfrancis8792]

Beautiful!!

[@LaLaArtStudio]

I'm so thankful that I am not the only one who has to find the letters through the tears 🥹 As always, tio Andy, your efforts you so generously share with us all is truly a timeless gift I am so grateful for 🥰 thank you 🙏🏼

[@robmarshallofficial]

Amazing information, especially about the colours and the same clays etc they used. Thank you for this

[@wildchildatart]

That was so cool!

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks

[@mariaglujan4533]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@6bonjour]

I could watch this over and over. Magical!

[@AncientPottery]

Bobby is great

[@tambarb8235]

Amazing.

[@stephenwalford774]

Amazing video..how have i missed it in your channel..such good work and the use of the original methods and materials..im slowly approaching the path of making some the Hopi style pottery..its that yellow !! good work as always Andy bringing this to us all

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks Stephen. Bobby is a wonderful artist and a good friend. It was a privilege to spend several days with him digging clay, working on pottery, firing and just enjoying Hopi hospitality.

[@johnhallett6512]

That was an awesome video. Thank you for sharing that Andy! The colors are incredible. Looks like a pot you eouii or d see at The Heard.

[@AncientPottery]

Yes is work is definitely world class. The Heard should get some of his work.

[@johnhallett6512]

While I was watching the video this morning. It got me thinking about all the Hopi coal over on Black Mesa. Is there a difference between the coal in Gallup and Keyenta?

[@postoak2755]

Amazing! Thank you for this!

[@AncientPottery]

My pleasure!

[@tuttib7500]

Sooooo interesting! Thank you for sharing!

[@AncientPottery]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@debraanderson5772]

Amazing story

[@g3naV]

Absolutely amazing

[@AncientPottery]

Yes. Thanks.

[@ravingcyclist624]

Amazing story of success ! Very enjoyable and inspiring video !

[@YahshuaLovesMe]

genius...

[@francesca3453]

Stunning

[@DutchCreekRanch1]

Wow! Thank you

[@theressamurphy2996]

Would I like to have your pottery? What a honor to own your pottery.

[@rebeccajames7487]

Amazing artwork! ❤

[@deanmiller5931]

Very cool!

[@YahshuaLovesMe]

inspiring!

[@urnosey23]

Absolutely amazing 😮❤

[@alimay1011]

amazing

[@SimonSozzi7258]

Beautiful

[@mauranolan843]

Amazing and so beautiful 🤩

[@aprildawn9578]

Absolutely Enjoyed the whole video ! Amazing and so exciting to listen to how you found the colors. But finding the exact one was a miracle . You explained everything up unto the point of realization of this is what we lost and now it's found . Just so so AMAZING ! Heritage and History . You explained it so calmly . I bet when you realized you had the truth you were blown away ! Would have loved to have been there to see your face . I think they do have Angels lead you there because it was the right time to claim that which was lost so absolutely beautiful.

[@aprildawn9578]

It was so beautiful how could you ever put a price on it. Just dreamy like looking out across the desert sky at sunset .Hopi/Zuni Sunset Masterpiece.

[@EXARCWithGrandpop]

Amazing colors!!!. Thanks for sharing.

[@AncientPottery]

Yes thanks.

[@PhyllisGeorgic]

Amazingly beautiful 🤩. Thanks so much for sharing. Stunning

[@chrisjackson2345]

beautiful!!!1

[@AncientPottery]

Indeed

[@bje2920]

LOVE THIS VIDEO

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks

[@chrisinkansas8507]

Very nice, thanks.

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks for watching Chris.

[@eauseapottery]

This is really amazing ! Thanks you to share your process :)

[@AncientPottery]

My pleasure 😊

[@rm-redactor]

Fantastic story! Thanks for this video!

[@AncientPottery]

You are welcome.