Native American Hopi Handbuilt and Handpainted Wedding Vase--"Village Wedding"

Description

Native American Hopi Handbuilt and Handpainted Wedding Vase--"Village Wedding" by Tonita Nampeyo

This spectacular handbuilt and handpainted wedding vase was created by Hopi master potter Tonita Nampeyo Tonita is the matriarch of the reamining Nampeyo family. She is the eldest daughter of Fannie and granddaughter to Nampeyo. This piece is quite unique for Tonita, she is a classic potter and does very traditional pieces. This ceremonial vessel is divergent because it shows a village scene at the rim of the two spouts. This scene represents the unity felt by all in the village during the warm months of the ceremonial season.

The Wedding Vase is an ancient vessel still used in traditional Pueblo wedding ceremonies. Each spout of the vessel represents one of those to be wed, the base of the pot depicts their two lives becoming one. In the traditional ceremony, the couple drink nectar (prepared by the medicine man) from the spouts to represent the blending of their lives. The pot is a reflection of the ancient rite.