.This is a classic plate by Nathan Youngblood.  The plate has four bear paws impressed into the clay.  The entire surface was then fully stone polished and it was traditionally fired.  The bear paw symbolizes a Pueblo story where the bear led the Pueblo people to water during a drought.  While simple in design, there is a classic sense to the form and polish, certainly reminiscent of the work of his great-grandmother Margaret Tafoya.  The plate is signed on the back in the clay with his name and hallmarked name in Tewa.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.