Native American Navajo Red Clay Wedding Vase with End of the Trail

The Wedding Vase is an ancient vessel still used in traditional Pueblo wedding ceremonies. Each spout symbolizes one of the individuals to be wed, while the looped handle represents the unity achieved through marriage. The space within the loop signifies the circle of life. During the traditional ceremony, the couple drinks nectar (prepared by the medicine man) from the spouts, symbolizing the blending of their lives. This vase reflects an ancient rite and is beautifully etched with traditional symbols. A band featuring a horse and rider, symbolizing the end of the trail, serves as a reminder of the Trail of Tears, when Native people were forcibly marched across the country by soldiers. This symbol highlights not the defeat of Native Americans but their perseverance and determination to survive against all odds. ^