This is a highly polished melon jar by Nathan Youngblood.  The jar is from the 1980s.  It is carved with 12 swirling melon ribs.  They extend from the base to the shoulder.  The entire piece is fully polished and fired a glassy black. The jar 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.