Hopi-Tewa Vintage Ceremonial White Wedding Vase by Bessie Namoki

This Hopi-Tewa Ceremonial Wedding Vase was created by artist Bessie Namoki, and brings rich history into your home or office! Originally used as a symbol of the unity of marriage, wedding vases are an essential part of Native American weddings across many tribes. Every part of a wedding vase has a meaning behind it, and a lot of hours and work go into crafting each one. The handle on the wedding vase symbolizes the unity achieved when husband and wife come together on their wedding day, and the space in between the handle and two spouts is a representation of the couples' circle of life. These vases would be filled on the day of their wedding with either water or tea, but in most cases it is filled with a special liquid, a nectar created by a local medicine man. They would either take turns sipping from the vase, or in some tribes they would have to drink it together at the same time. This gorgeous vase is 8-1/2" tall, and 3-7/16" at the widest point, and is vintage circa 1960's, with commensurate wear. Full of culture and symbolism, this Hopi-Tewa Vintage Ceremonial White Wedding Vase by Bessie Namoki is a treasure of a piece of pottery!

Bessie Namoki (1922-2010) of Polacca, AZ was active from the mid-to-late 20th century. She is mentioned in Schaaf's book, "Hopi-Tewa Pottery, 500 Artist Biographies".