This is a large wedding vase is by Eugene Bartlett, a son of Lorena Bartlett.   The piece is coil-built and stone polished. The vase has a round body and double spouts. There is one large horned lizard on each side.  The jar was traditionally fired and has strong colorations across the surface  After the firing it was covered with pinon pitch.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “EMB”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  Definitely a great piece of Navajo pottery history!

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 an 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)