Mike, I really like this piece, and it certainly does "look" Southwest. It is reminiscent of the "horsehair" pottery that has come into vogue in the last few years. In that pottery, the potter makes the vessel and while it is in the kiln, throws handsful of horse tail or mane hair onto the vessel. The heat causes the hair to melt into the glaze, and it becomes a part of the piece. No two pieces will ever be alike, just like no two pieces turned from wood will ever be alike. Very nice interpretation.