This is a large water jar by Samuel Manymules.  The shape is elegant with a high, round shoulder and an elongated neck.  There are ten round melon ribs on the jar, each pushed out from the inside.  The top of the shoulder has a “triple” rainbow ridge. The neck extends upward and the entire piece is fully polished.  It is a creative use of so many various techniques and a classic form.  The jar was traditionally fired, which created dramatic colorations on the surface of the piece.  The variation of color from black to red to brown gives the piece a sense of motion on the surface.  The browner areas are where it was fired to a higher temperature.  After the firing, the jar is covered with pine pitch in the traditional way expected of Navajo pottery.  The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay.  It is extraordinary vessels like this that keep Samuel among the top Navajo potters working today.  This jar is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  It is from 2011 and has 2 ribbons (blue and Best of Division A (undecorated) from Santa Fe Indian Market.  The ribbons are signed by Nathan Youngblood and 2 other judges.