Chee, Johnathan – 11″ Tall Wedding Vase with 10 Horned Lizards

Jonathan Chee is married to Elizabeth Manygoats and learned to make pottery from her mother, Betty Manygoats.  While he no longer makes pottery, he was known for his folk art animals, and figures.  This is one of his few vessels.  It is a large wedding vase, and there are ten horned lizards in appliqué on the surface.  It was traditionally fired and then covered in pinon pitch.  Both are signed, “JC” and it is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.

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 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)