This is an early bowl by Tammy Garcia.  It was originally purchased from her in 1988 when she was only 19 years old! It was only the year before (1987) that she won her first ribbon at Gallup Ceremonials.  The bowl is coil built and carved with a water serpent (avanyu), encircling the piece. The piece is very thin-walled.  It is creatively carved with swirls in the body of the avanyu.  The entire bowl is highly polished and traditionally fired a deep black.  The bowl is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Tammy Borts”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  It is exciting to see such creative designs from early in her exceptional career!