Larrisena Manygoats is a daughter of Elizabeth Manygoats and a granddaughter of Betty Manygoats.  This jar is coil-built.  It has a round shoulder and a fluted rim. On the shoulder of the jar is a single horned lizard along with an impressed rainbow band.  The horned lizard is a continuation of the work of her grandmother, Betty, who textured the lizards with a bobby pin!  This jar was traditionally fired to create strong color variations from the heat of the fire!  After the piece is fired, it is covered in pine pitch in the manner of traditional Navajo pottery.  The piece is signed on the bottom in the clay, “LSM.”  It is exciting to have the work of a younger potter and watch the continuation of a legacy in clay!

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)