This jar by Samuel Manymules is in the shape of a classic Navajo “drum jar”.  It is fully polished and there is also a band around the center where he has incised rain designs.  They are linear patterns which create abstract designs.  Samuel said that he wanted to try something new on the surface of one of his pieces.  The jar is traditionally fired and the coloration is striking!  The variation from black to red to brown give 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 then covered with pine pitch in the traditional way expected of Navajo pottery.  It is extraordinary vessels like this which keep Samuel among the top Navajo potters working today.  The last photo is Samuel holding the jar.