Mela Youngblood began making pottery in the late 1960s and quickly achieved a distinctive style for her work.  Each piece of her work is very highly polished, and when carved, the edges are distinctly rounded.  This bowl is a very classic style of Kiva Bowl.  This bowl is fully polished on the inside and outside. The bowl has the “kiva” three-step form on the sides.  The holes in the kiva step areas were traditionally included so that eagle feathers could be placed in them. Mela made a few of these during her career.  The highly stone-polished surface is striking!  It is signed on the bottom, “Mela Youngblood”.  The bowl is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.