Daryl Whitegeese is known for his use of classic Santa Clara forms and his amazing polished surfaces.  This jar is was inspired by a black-on-black jar by Daryl’s grandmother, Margaret Tafoya.  The last photo shows this jar and the piece by Margaret.  The jar by Margaret is from the 1930s and has a very unusually painted avanyu with the tail over the head.  Daryl created a similar style of design on his jar, which is carved into the clay.  The body of the avanyu has cloud and rain designs.  If you look closely, there are small bear paws also lightly etched into the red polished surface.  The carving on the jar has edges that almost feel sharp to the touch! The jar is polished a deep red and has been traditionally fired.  The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Daryl Whitegeese”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.