This large bowl by Alton Komalestewa is a fully polished and fired a striking dark brown coloration. There are three bear paws which are impressed into the clay.  This is the technique he as taught by Helen Shupla and it is much like the ribs on the melon bowls.  The “fingers” of the bear paws are pushed down into the clay and then the entire surface is fully polished.  The shape works perfectly for the use of the bear paws as part of the design. The bowl is vertically polished and traditionally fired, so there are some blushes on the surface.  The bowl is signed on the bottom by Alton and he also uses a katsina face as part of the hallmark of his name.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.