Christine McHorse was well known for her sculptural pottery.  Each piece is coil-built and has very thin walls.  This jar is made from micaceous clay.  There is an area with a large horned lizard raised in relief from the surface of the clay.  The lizard is carved and the area around it is incised.  The jar was traditionally fired creating fire clouds and blushes on the surface of the piece.  The neck was vertically polished while the shoulders were polished to create a swirl circling around the jar.  It is signed on the bottom, “C McHorse”.  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 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)