Tony Da had a short career which spanned from 1967-82.  Tony began making turtles as early as his first show in 1967 at Gallup Ceremonials.  As they evolved they became more sculptural in form.  This turtle is a very early one which is fired a gunmetal black and the has sienna around the top of the back. the feet and the head.  The back has a single inset piece of turquoise and inset turquoise for the eyes.  The back of the turtle, where it is polished is fired to a gunmetal appearance. There is a halo of black, and then the sienna at the point of inset of the turquoise. This is typical of Tony’s black and sienna pottery.  The turtle was originally made as a pendant, which can be seen on the underside of the piece.  On the bottom of the turtle there is an original number from the collection of Dick Howard.  The turtle is signed on it’s foot, “Da”.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  I’ve never seen another piece of his like this, and it is certainly a unique part of his pottery history!