Betty Manygoats is known for distinctive Dine (Navajo) pottery with a “folk art” feel to the designs. While she is known for her pieces with horned lizards, this is one of the first we have seen with a Navajo scene in relief.  It is much like the style of her daughter, Elizabeth Manygoats.  The bowl is large and the designs are in relief on the surface of the piece.  There is a shepherdess with four sheep.  She is next to a hogan (the traditional Navajo house). Next to the hogan is a wagon and two cows.  There is another hogan on the other side and a stylized “corral”.  All the figures are in relief and painted after the firing. The bowl was outdoor fired with great blushes on the surface.  After the firing it was covered in pinon-pitch.  The bowl is signed on the bottom in the clay, “BM.”  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  Betty has won numerous awards for her pottery over the years.  It can also be found in museums throughout the southwest.

Why the horned lizard?  “In the Diné culture Horned Toad is addressed as “grandpa” (shicheii). It possesses spiritual power. When you see one, pick it up and rub it on your chest and say, “I will be in good health and harmony.” If you have corn pollen sprinkle it as an offering and then let the horned lizard loose where you found it. You will then have good health and harmony. It is believed that the horned toad is dressed with an armored shield, which is called arrowhead. The spiky horns on the body represent the arrowheads. This protects the horned toad from predators. It was placed on earth with songs and prayers so that in the future the Diné would utilize it. The Diné still know and use its sacred prayers and songs for protection.”  Traditional Dine Teachings on Wildlife (1998)

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Manygoats, Betty (b. 1945)

Betty Manygoats

Betty Barlow Manygoats (b.1945) is Dine', from the Water Clan. She learned to make pottery from her mother, Zonie Barlow. As early as 1978 Betty introduced a horny toad motif to her pots, winning awards for her work at the annual Navajo exhibitions held at the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff and the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial in Gallup, New Mexico. Betty uses Navajo clay from Black Mesa, forming it into coils that wind upward. She then smooths the coiled clay and adds the decorations. Horned toad scales are fashioned with a bobby pin. Fireclouds occur where the wood ash comes in contact with the clay. After firing, warm piñon pitch is applied inside and out.