This is a large storage jar shaped vessel by Margaret Tafoya. It is featured on page 79 of the book, Born of Fire.  It is one of Margaret’s classic shapes with the high shoulder and slight neck.  However, what makes this very unusual besides the size, is the surface, which is designed with a series of melon swirls.  There are 16 ribs carved into the clay and the entire piece is fully polished.  The plainware vessels are always among the most difficult to polish, as they must be fully polished at one time or the slip will dry.  Margaret did not make many of these melon rib jars at this size. One of the only other ones is in the permanent collection of the Heard Museum in Phoenix, AZ.  The jar is in good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. There are rubs on the surface and a few light scratches which are not unexpected.  However, the overall strength of the polishing remains.  The jar is signed on the bottom.