This is a spectacular large jar by Daniel Begay.  The piece is coil-built, carved, stone-polished, and traditionally fired.  The jar is entitled, “Mountain Songs”.  It is an elegant shape with a high, round shoulder and short neck.  The shape of the jar was inspired by historic Santa Clara storage jars.  This piece was then deeply carved with feathers along the neck and large bears around the shoulder.  Each bear has a different heartline.  The base of the jar has carved terrace designs that are slipped with mica.  The jar combines both polished and matte sections, which create a striking visual flow across the surface of the piece.  It was traditionally fired a dark brown, almost purplish coloration.  It is amazing that Daniel can achieve such size in his work, along with the amount of carving on each piece!  Note as well the style of carving has a beveled appearance to the angle of the cuts into the clay.  The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Daniel Begay”.  The jar has “Best of Carved Pottery” ribbons from the 20206 Gallup Ceremonials.