Billy Cain was a son of noted potter Mary Cain.  He created traditional Santa Clara carved and polished pottery, but often with his own flare of shape or design.  This distinctive bowl has a round shape.  It is the carving of the avanyu (water serpent) that is distinctive.  The body of the avanyu has a lot of small carved sections and tight lines.  The entire piece is polished, including the base.  The bowl is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Billy Cain”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.