Native American Navajo Red Clay Wedding Vase with Buffalo

Description

Native American Navajo Red Clay Wedding Vase with Buffalo by Hilda Whitegoat

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 looped handle represents the unity achieved with marriage. The space created within the loop represents the circle of life. 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. This beautifully etched vase has buffalo encircling the middle. The buffalo, once the mainstay of the Plains Indians, reminds us of abundance. The buffalo is also powerful medicine for the Native people.