Tso, Jr., Damon – 10″ Tall Jar with Hand and Horned Lizard, Ribbon
$ 550.00
Damon Tso, Jr., is a self-taught potter. He began making pottery in 2003 and each piece is coil-built and made from clay that he sources from near his home in Buffalo Springs, New Mexico. This large jar is thin-walled, and the shape is inspired by traditional Navajo cooking jars. The surface was texturized with a corn cob. There is the “potter’s hand” imprint on one side. There is a horned lizard on the palm and traditional Navajo designs on the fingers. The designs are subtle but striking. The jar was traditionally fired to create the coloration on the surface. It is signed, “Damon Tso” on the bottom. There is a second-place ribbon from the 2025 Gallup Ceremonials.
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)
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Damon Tso, Jr., is a self-taught potter. He began making pottery in 2003 and each piece is coil-built and made from clay that he sources from near his home in Buffalo Springs, New Mexico. This large jar is thin-walled, and the shape is inspired by traditional Navajo cooking jars. The surface was texturized with a corn cob. There is the “potter’s hand” imprint on one side. There is a horned lizard on the palm and traditional Navajo designs on the fingers. The designs are subtle but striking. The jar was traditionally fired to create the coloration on the surface. It is signed, “Damon Tso” on the bottom. There is a second-place ribbon from the 2025 Gallup Ceremonials.
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)
Brand
Tso, Jr., Damon (b. 1968)
Damon Tso, Jr, (Dine) began making pottery around 2003. He is a cousin of Lucy McKelvy, but he is mostly self-taught. He uses local, native clay to coil-build his pottery. Each piece is traditionally fired and usually has pinon-pitch on the exterior. He has won numerous awards for his pottery over the years.