Elizabeth Naranjo was known for her large carved intricately carved vessels.  This engagement basket is a classic of her pottery style. The piece has a twisted handle that is fully polished.  Around the body of the piece is a deeply carved avanyu (water serpent). The body of the avanyu creates cloud and rain patterns.  The entire piece is fully stone polished and it was traditionally fired a deep black coloration.  Elizabeth is a daughter of noted potter Pablita Chavarria and the sister of Clara Shije, Reycita Naranjo, and Mary Singer.  The vase is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.   It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Elizabeth, Santa Clara Pueblo”.