WOW!  This is a spectacular lidded jar by Dolores Curran.  She has created her own distinctive “poly-tonal” incised blackware.  This is a style that she originated by modifying the classic “black” pottery with polishing and rubbing techniques to create various shades of black and grey.  The various colorations of gray are from a very time-involved process as the surface areas are either polished or slipped with mica or rubbed until they are almost a gunmetal coloration.  The designs are created by either incising or etching into the surface and this is combined with painted designs.  This is a larger piece with low shoulder and elongated neck.  The neck has eight flowers.  Around the top of the shoulder is an incised avanyu.  Around the shoulder are prayer feathers that alternate between polished and matte surfaces.  The bottom is fully polished and painted  with delicate clouds and prayer feathers.  Note the complexity and detail of the painted designs.  The jar has a lid with a bear on top. The flat top of the lid has carved swirling birds.  The jar is signed, “Dolores Curran”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  It has three ribbons from the 2015 Gallup Intertribal Ceremonials. There is a First Prize Blue Ribbon, a “Best in Category” Blue Ribbon for Non-Traditional Pottery, and finally, a Special Award Ribbon.

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