This is an exceptional carved jar by Nancy Youngblood.  It is one of fewer red pieces.  The bowl is carved with eight shells around the neck of the bowl.  Why shells? Nancy began carving them on her pottery after a trip to the Caribbean in the 1980’s.  While it may seem an “exotic” addition to the pottery, shells were frequently traded in pre-contact times and even today are worn by the dancers during traditional Pueblo ceremonies.  When Nancy carves the shells the “ridges” are each rounded, just like on her melon bowl!  They are very time involved and stunning!  Below the shells is a very deeply carved avanyu (water serpent). Note how Nancy carves the avanyu, with swirls of water and angles for lightning!  The lid is delicate and carved in the shape of a shell on both sides.  It is designed to fit perfectly into the bowl.  The piece is from 2010 and it is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  Note the color, as the bowl has been traditionally fired and the red has a rich coloration.  Nancy has won numerous awards for her melon bowls, and this is undoubtedly a creative use of her melon rib style!