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 buffalo that encircle the neck. The buffalo represents good medicine, the fulfillment of powers, and steadfast endurance. 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. The butterfly is a symbol of beauty, summertime and the plants that flourish. Bear is the guardian of the West. Bear is associated with great strength and is considered a powerful healer. The dragonfly represents summertime, beauty and rain.