Native American Navajo Red Clay Wedding Vase with Turtles

The Wedding Vase is an ancient vessel that continues to play a role in traditional Pueblo wedding ceremonies. Each spout symbolizes one of the individuals to be wed, while the looped handle signifies the unity achieved through marriage. The space within the loop embodies the circle of life. During the traditional ceremony, the couple drinks nectar, prepared by the medicine man, from the spouts, symbolizing the merging of their lives. The vase serves as a representation of this ancient rite. The turtle symbolizes longevity and water. Many Native American cultures hold the belief that we reside on the back of a turtle. ^