Pueblo Wedding Vases
Zuni Deer in House Twisted Handle Wedding Vase by Carlos Laate (Zuni Pueblo)
The Indian Pueblo Store invites you to explore the deeper meaning behind the art of the Southwest, as we take a deeper look into the celebrated Pueblo Wedding Vase, an iconic pottery style.
Cultures around the world have special traditions when it comes to weddings. From exchanging rings to breaking a glass underfoot, these traditions celebrate the love between two people and the sanctity of the marriage. This includes Pueblo and Native American culture. The Pueblo are known for their beautiful, handmade wedding vases created to enhance a wedding day, or commemorate a special anniversary.
Pueblo Pottery: Crafting a Work of Art
Creating a wedding vase requires exceptional care and skill, as it is a specialized form of pottery. Pottery is the most widely celebrated and recognized art form of the Pueblo Indians of New Mexico, admired around the world for its beauty and craftsmanship. For more than a thousand years, Pueblo potters have followed many of the same traditional techniques, completing every step of the process by hand. Rather than using a potter’s wheel, Pueblo artists shape their vessels using the traditional horizontal coil method or by forming the pot freely by hand. Once the shape is complete, the surface is carefully polished with a natural stone - often a smooth river stone - to achieve its distinctive finish. The piece is then decorated with slips made from vegetal, mineral, or commercial sources. Finally, the pottery is fired outdoors or in a kiln, fueled by wood or manure, completing the transformation into a finished work of art.
Special Meanings and Shapes of Wedding Vases
Wedding vases are different in that they have two openings at the top of the vessel, along with a handle that joins the two spouts. The way the vase is constructed has special meanings.
Each spout represents one member of the couple; the handle in the middle of a wedding vase represents the unity as they come together on their wedding day. The space between the handle and the two spouts is a representation of the couples’ circle of life. Decorative features on the outside are meant to symbolize the marriage taking place.
On the day of the wedding, the vase is often filled with a special liquid meant to symbolize the union of the couple. Each partner then takes a turn drinking from the vase which celebrates the joining of their lives.
Wedding vases are meant to stay with the couple forever. Often kept in a special, safe place in their home. Some believe that if the vessel becomes damaged or broken, the same fate awaits the couple.
Adding a handcrafted Pueblo wedding vase is a beautiful way to elevate any pottery collection and it also makes a meaningful, memorable gift. Whether you are a longtime collector or introducing someone special to this remarkable art form for the first time, a wedding vase represents tradition, craftsmanship, and enduring beauty.
The Indian Pueblo Store proudly offers a wide selection of pottery and wedding vases from many different Pueblos. Each piece is uniquely decorated, featuring distinctive designs such as bold graphic elements, hummingbirds, butterflies, birds, kiva steps, and deer. These symbolic motifs reflect the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions of the Pueblo artists who create them.
We hope this blog has helped you better understand and appreciate Native American wedding vases. We invite you to visit our store or shop online to explore our collection and find a piece that speaks to you.
