This is a classic small jar by Tony Da.  He had a short career which spanned from 1967-82.  He changed the world of Pueblo pottery.   He was among the first to begin etching into the surface of the pottery (sgraffito), adding stones and hei-shi, and then he began creating all matte-carved vessels.  This jar is an early piece, which is evidenced by the shape and color of the clay.  During his early years, there were a few periods when Tony used various red clay slips of different depths of color for his pottery. This jar is unusual with a very deep red.  It was etched with an avanyu before firing  The avanyu is symbolic of the village being saved from a flood by the water serpent.  The bowl is signed on the bottom in the clay, “DA”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  This is certainly a classic style of Tony’s pottery and even an early piece like this bowl reflects the impact he had, and continues to have, on Pueblo pottery.  The pottery of Tony Da remains an important addition to any collection!