Native American Hopi Handbuilt and Handpainted Wedding Vase

Description

Native American Hopi Handbuilt and Handpainted Wedding Vase by Delaine Tootsie

This wonderful handbuilt and handpainted wedding vase was created by Delaine Tootsie, a Hopi potter who has been making pots since she was a little girl. Her hand-dug clay is sometimes multicolored and the designs go back hundreds of years in her family history. 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. Delaine has never made wedding vases until we requested she try them. This vase has a textured bottom, another style that is seen on some of her pieces.