This may be one of the more difficult and creative shapes by Margaret Tafoya.  This jar is from the 1930s’ and it has a sharp shoulder and elongated neck. There are two handles on the sides.  Note the distinctive shape of the handles.  Margaret noted that when she first tried handles, they were inspired by Greek and Roman pottery she had seen in a book.  The handles on this piece are horizontal and have “fingers” or are called “Bear Claw” handles.  Each side has four claws and the handle is rounded out.  The jar is fully polished, as are the handles.  The entire piece had to be polished at one time and it is amazing to me that it not only survived the firing, but also nearly 100 years without damage to the handles.  The high polished and unique form work perfectly on this piece.  The jar was very high fired so it has a slivery-black coloration.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  It is signed on the bottom, “Margaret Tafoya”.  I included a closer photo of the signature, as it is polished into the jar before firing and there is slight wear on the base.