This is one of the few double signature pieces by Nathan Youngblood and his mother, Mela.  The bowl is dated 1979.  It was made and carved by Nathan and polished and finished by Mela.  The jar is carved with a water serpent encircling the piece.  The piece is very highly polished and note the background matte area that almost has a buffed appearance, which is typical of Mela’s pottery technique.  Of course, the style of the avanyu is indicative of Nathan’s early pottery designs.  The jar is fired a deep black.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Nathan Youngblood, Mela Youngblood”. Definitely a classic and historically important bowl by both of these significant potters!