This is an early jar by Tammy Garcia.  It was made in 1988 when she was just 19 years old!  It was only the year before in 1987 that she won her first ribbon at Gallup Ceremonials.  The jar is coil-built with a round body and a turned-out rim.  The jar is very thin-walled.  There is an avanyu (water serpent) carved around the neck.  The remainder of the piece is fully polished. The neck, rim, and even inside the rim, are fully polished!  Note the creatively carved angles and swirls in the body of the avanyu.  The piece is highly polished and traditionally fired to a deep black.  The jar 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 pottery early in her impressive career!