This is an exceptional piece by Maxine Toya.  She said it is one of the few boxes which she has made.  Boxes are always difficult to make as they tend to crack in drying and firing.  The box itself is polished on the bottom band.  On two sides is a three-color rainbow over a bird.  On the sides of the rainbow are corn plants. The ends have stylized corn plants.  It is the lid which is white striking for this piece.  The handle is painted like a rainbow and below is a painted cloud.  The lid sits on a sculpted ridge on the top of the box.  She has made it so that it fits one way and there are little red clay dots to indicate the perfect fit!  The painting is all with natural clay slips and they lines are very fine and delicate.  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”.