This is a very traditional melon jar by Samuel Manymules.  The jar is coil built and stone polished and then traditionally fired. The coloration of the surface of the jar is the natural color of the clay.  The ribs on this jar swirl around the from the base to the neck and are rounded.  The lip is thin and slightly turned out.  The flow of the ribs without a stopping point at the neck creates elegance.  The traditional firing created the blushes which are deep black and encompass areas from the rim to the base of the jar.  After the firing the jar is the 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.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay.