This is a classic style Hopi-Tewa jar by Mark Tahbo.  The jar has a wide, round body and a slight neck.  The neck and the base are both fully polished a deep red. The sides of the jar have the traditional eagle tail pattern which was seen on the historic Sikyatki pottery.  The bird tails are painted with two different colors of red clay slip.  Mark has left open areas on the jar to reveal more the coloration of the clay from the firing.  Note the intricately painted patterns and how Mark flows them across the shoulder and reinforces the shape of the piece!  The red on the jar is a the classic red clay slip, which is  a beautiful contrast to the blushes of the clay.  The black is bee-weed (a plant).  The jar is traditionally fired to create the various colorations from the heat of the fire. It is signed on the bottom with a pipe for his “Tobacco Clan”.