This is a stunning water jar by Helen Shupla.  She is famous for her carved pottery as well as her exceptional melon jars.  This is a classic double shoulder water jar.  The double shoulder is also called a “rainbow ridge”.  You can reach inside the jar and feel how the shape changes to create the second shoulder!  The jar has bear paws impressed into the clay on the neck.  The entire piece is fully polished and it is fired a deep black.  This is one of the few large water jars we have seen from Helen.  It is signed, “Helen Shupla” on the bottom in the clay.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.