This is a distinctive red carved jar by Christopher Youngblood.  The jar is oval in shape and carved on both sides with a large avanyu.  Each avanyu is deeply carved into the clay.  They are a male avanyu with the kiva step horn on one side, and a female with the curved down horn on the other.  The body of each avanyu is very intricately designed with both angular and circular motifs.  In the center is a classic kiva step motif.  Each avanyu is highly polished and fired to a deep red.  The surrounding area is matte, the natural color of the clay.  The matte is difficult to make as smooth as possible so that there are no slight indentions to cast shadows from an uneven surface.  The large size and distinctive shape give this piece both a modernist appearance and yet speak to the traditional elements of Santa Clara pottery.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Chris Youngblood”.

I’m pleased that I have been working with Chris since 2010 when I wrote the first article on him for Native People’s magazine.  It is exciting to see how his work has progressed over the years and the awards for his pottery, including the 2014 “Best of Pottery” at Santa Fe Indian Market.  He was featured in the book, Spoken Through Clay, and continues to be one of the leading young potters working today.