Native American Navajo Fine Etched Horsehair Wedding Vase with Four Corners

Description

Native American Navajo Fine Etched Horsehair Wedding Vase with Four Corners 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 unusual four corners wedding vase has a band of bears that encircle the neck. Bear is the guardian of the West. Bear is associated with great strength and is considered a powerful healer. This piece has four focal medallions, each with an important symbol for the Native people. Eagle is the messenger between the People and the Great Spirit. Kokopelli represents the God of Fertility, God of Mist, or God of the Harvest. He is a magical figure playing a flute and has been associated with shamanism and supernatural qualities. The hummingbird is a messenger who not only stops time but also represents beauty and summertime. The butterfly is a symbol of beauty, summertime and the plants that flourish.