This is an exceptional wide-shoulder melon jar by Alton Komalestewa.  It is the combination of color, form, and polish which makes it exceptional.  Alton learned to make pottery from his mother-in-law, Helen Shupla.  She was famous for her traditional melon bowls and over the years Alton has taken and refined this form with thinner walls and a highly polished surface.  This large jar is from 1992 and each of the 21 ribs are pushed out from the inside.  It is technically difficult to stretch the clay and create even, symmetrical ribs.  Note as well how each of the ribs has a slight edge!  The piece was highly polished and fired to a glassy black.  It is signed on the bottom”Alton Komalestewa”.  The jar is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.