Our artists are a talented bunch. Many are not only too humble to write anything about themselves, but are also a little "camera-shy." We will continue to gather more information about the many artists with whom we interact. As we know more, we will post it here so that you may enjoy it and learn about them too.
WEDDING VASE
The wedding vase is a treasured and sacred element of many Native Southwest American Indian tribe, particularly the Navajo and Pueblo peoples. These vases are not only symbolic in the ceremony performed just prior to the wedding itself, but also in the shape and construction of the vessel itself.
About a week or two before the couple is officially married, the groom’s parents build the wedding vase out of a clay found and ceremoniously cleaned and filtered from a local river bed. Once the vessel has been properly fired, both families assemble. The parents give the young couple advice, and the wedding vase is filled with some kind of special liquid. Traditionally it would be filled with a nectar made by the medicine man, though many modern couples may choose to drink water or an herbal infused tea from the vase.
First the groom offers his bride the vessel and she drinks from one side only. She then turns the wedding vase clockwise, and the groom then drinks from this same side. Each will then drink from the opposite side of the wedding vase, and then finally in the culmination of the ceremony, they will both drink from the wedding vase together. It is said that if they manage this feat without spilling a drop then they will always have a strong, cooperative relationship. The vase then becomes a cherished piece in their household and great care is taken to make sure it is never damaged or broken.
The vessel itself is quite beautiful, but its design is an integral part of its meaning. The two spouts represent the couple, one the bride and the other groom. The rounded base and shared reservoir of the vase represents the couple’s now shared lives. The looped handle also represents this unity in a more visual and apparent way, much like a wedding band is a visual reminder of the deeper, spiritual connection that a husband and wife share. The handle creates a circle in the center of the vase that represents the circle of life.
Kachina House is proud to offer these beautiful and symbolic vessels in several styles handmade by talented Native American Indian artists here in the Southwest. We carry fine etched wedding vases as well as horsehair vases and beautifully unique vases by award-winning potter, Mary Small. Both Navajo and Pueblo styles are represented here, but if you are having trouble finding exactly what you’re looking for just contact us as we’ll be glad to locate the perfect piece from the rest of our extensive inventory.
