This is an exceptional piece by Maxine Toya.  Boxes are always difficult to make as they tend to crack in drying and firing.  The box itself is polished on the bottom band. There is a scene that flows across the surface with corn plants, clouds, mountains, and flowers. It is fully painted with native clay slips.  They are very intricately painted and she has used several colors of clay. The lid is in the shape of a cloud (the step pattern) polished red.  Below are painted clouds in white.  Note the very subtle rainbow that is painted just below the polished area on the handle!   Maxine traditionally fires her pottery, which adds to their striking appearance and difficulty.  The piece is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Maxine Toya”.