Navajo Pine Pitch Horned Toad Lizard Wedding Vase Indian Pottery

Navajo Pine Pitch Horned Toad Lizard Wedding Vase Indian PotteryArtist: Navajo basket maker L S Manygoats Medium: Hand coiled pottery wedding vase coated with pine pitch Size: 5 3 4" H x 3 3 4" Across These vases are an old style traditional "utilitarian" vase made for holding water. These hand coiled vessels are coated inside and out with melted pinion pine pitch resinous sapto make them durable and watertight for carrying water. Believed to have originated in South America, the wedding vase has existed for

Artist: Navajo basket maker L S Manygoats

Medium:  Hand coiled pottery wedding vase coated with pine pitch

Size: 5 3/4" H x 3 3/4" Across

These vases are an old style traditional "utilitarian" vase made for holding water. These hand coiled vessels are coated inside and out with melted pinion pine pitch resinous sap—to make them durable and watertight for carrying water.

Believed to have originated in South America, the wedding vase has existed for centuries. The graceful spouts represent two separate lives. The bridge at the top part of the vessel unites these together as one. The future husband's parents provide the wedding vase in Indian ceremonies.  On their wedding day, this vase is filled with Indian holy water, which has been blessed by a Shaman or Priest, and given to the bride. She drinks from one side of the vessel while the groom partakes from the opposite side. This ceremony is equivalent to the exchanging of wedding bands. The couple will cherish their wedding vase throughout their married life.

The five horned toads signify protection, wisdom and resilience!