This is a very intricately carved lidded jar by Nancy Youngblood.  The jar is deeply carved with a water serpent encircling the top of the piece.  The body of the avanyu has Nancy’s signature lightning and water swirls.  Below the avanyu are 16 carving lightning designs.  The carving is very deep on this piece, and the rim and base are both matte.  The matte is one of the highlights of Nancy’s pottery, as she sands it with such precision that there are virtually no irregularities.  The smooth matte surfaces beautifully complement the polished areas of the jar.  The lid is fully polished and fits perfectly into the bowl.  The entire piece is traditionally fired to a dark black, and it is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Nancy Youngblood, 2006).  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  Definitely a classic of her carved pottery.