Native American Navajo Red Clay Wedding Vase with Turtles

Description

Native American Navajo Red Clay Wedding Vase with Turtles by Arlene Bennett

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 their lives. The pot is a reflection of the ancient rite. The turtle represents long life and water. Many Native Americans believe that we are living on the back of a turtle.