It's a treasure of the Hopi Nation and a centuries-old mystery.
A University of Arizona doctoral student is using polarized-light microscopes and other 21st-century technology to determine which primitive method was used to create the unique yellow-ware pottery between 1350 and 1630.
The pottery is recognized for its fine, pale ivory paste, said Caitlin O'Grady, 29, during an interview in her lab at the UA materials science and engineering department.
"These ceramics are beautiful and incredibly well-made," she said while sorting sherds collected about 25 years ago.
Make sure to click on a couple more of the photos.