This plate by John Gonzales is from 1998.  John was well known for his plate and their intricately etched designs.  This plate is matte black and tan.  In the center is a black medallion surrounded by an etched water serpent.  Surrounding the water serpent is a band of tightly and precisely etched feathers.  There is a band of inset shell hei-shi beads around the central medallion, and one near the edge of the plate.  There is an inset piece of turquoise for the eye of the avanyu.  The background behind the etched designs is a micaceous clay slip.  The plate is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  It is signed on the back, “John Gonzales”.