Mata Ortiz Hand-Built and Hand-Painted Wedding Vase

The Wedding Vase is an ancient vessel still used in traditional Pueblo wedding ceremonies. One spout of the vessel represents the husband and the other the wife. 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 ceremonial piece was handbuilt and beautifully handpainted by Mata Ortiz resident Ismael Flores. Pottery ring included.