WOW!  This is a phenomenal piece by Betty Manygoats.  She 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 piece is coil-built and it is a classic double-lobe jar.  The top half is plain. The bottom half has four horned lizards separated by cactus and agave.  They are all in relief.  The jar is the natural color of the clay and it was traditionally 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)