Manygoats, Betty – Large Jar with Ladle, Scoops, and Lid (9 Pieces)

Betty Manygoats is known for distinctive Dine (Navajo) pottery with a “folk art” feel to the designs.  This is one of her few Cooking Jars with handles on the sides, six scoops, a ladle, and a lid!  The jar has a storage jar appearance with a round body and a short neck. There are corn plants on either side in relief.  The jar has six spoons or scoops. The lid rests on a ledge and there is an elongated ladle. The spoons rest in the six “handles” on the side. The piece was coil-built and traditionally fired.  There are some beautiful color variations from the heat of the fire!  After the bowl 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, “BM.”  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)