Harrison Begay, Jr. has won numerous awards over the years for his deep-carved pottery.  This jar has straight sides and the rim and base are fully polished. The jar is carved with a Yei figure on one side.  What is a yei?

“Yei figures are often seen in Navajo sandpaintings and rugs.  “Yei” (pronounced “yay”) is the Navajo name for the benevolent supernatural beings who bring their healing power to medicinal ceremonies still performed today.”

This Yei figure has a feather headdress and there are more feathers carved to the side.  As the jar is turned, there is a waterfall, cloud, and series of wind patterns.   All the designs are either polished or matte.  The highly stone-polished surface creates a strong visual distinction between the matte and polished surface.  Note as well the style of carving, which has a beveled appearance to the angle of the cuts into the clay. This is a very distinctive style of carving for his pottery.    The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Harrison ’24”.