Wedding Vases

At Kachina House we carry a vast selection of Native American wedding vases, handmade by artists from various tribes. Crafted and accented with natural materials we offer unique objects of art and craft.

The Wedding Vase is an ancient vessel still used in traditional Native American 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 couples’ own circle of life. The vessel has become immensely popular worldwide and is used in various marriage ceremonies.

The wedding vase is a treasured and sacred tradition among many Native American Indian tribes. 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.

About a week or two before a couple is officially married, the groom’s parents build the wedding vase from clay found in a local river bed which is ceremonially cleaned and filtered. Once the vessel has been properly fired, both families assemble. The parents give the young couple advice, and the wedding vase is filled with a ceremonial liquid. Traditionally it would be a nectar made by the medicine man, though many modern couples may choose to drink water or an herbal infused tea from the vase to represent the blending of their lives.

First one partner offers the other the vessel and that person drinks from one spout, then turns the wedding vase clockwise, and the first person then drinks from the same spout. 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 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.

The vessel itself is quite beautiful, and its design is an integral part of its meaning. The two spouts represent the couple. The rounded base and shared reservoir of the vase represent the couple’s now-shared lives. The looped handle also represents this unity in a more visible and apparent way, much like a wedding band is a visible reminder of the deeper, spiritual connection shared by a married couple. The handle creates a circle in the center of the vase that represents the circle of life.

Kachina House is the largest distributor of Native American arts and crafts in Arizona. At our showroom/warehouse in Sedona, AZ, you will find more products on display than we can post on our website. Our products are high-quality and handcrafted; we pride ourselves on offering unique products and the best customer service. If you have questions, we urge you to call us toll free at 800-304-3290 or drop us an email. We always like to hear from our customers.