This is a highly polished melon jar by Nathan Youngblood.  The jar is from 1978.  It is carved with 16 straight melon ribs.  Note how they extend from the rim to the base. The entire piece is fully polished, including the space between each rib! The jar was fired to a glassy black coloration.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay “Nathan Youngblood” and the hallmark of his name in Tewa.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.