WOW!  This is an exceptional carved storage jar by Daniel Begay. The shape is on that has a lot of “mass” and space to carve.  The neck of the jar has two different types of feather designs. They are both polished and matte.  The body of the jar has sections with bears next to water and waves. There are large, polished stars and sections with carved cloud and mountain designs.  The jar was traditionally fired black with a silvery appearance to the surface.  The carving is very deep with clean channels separating the designs.  Daniel uses matte sections to help accentuate the polished surfaces. The matte is smooth and perfectly sanded to create the best visual contrast.  This certainly adds to the sophistication of his carving and designs. Note how Daniel’s designs also combine both thin and thicker lines to enhance the imagery.  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”.