Creating An Indian Wedding Vase: A Step-By-Step Guide

The Native American wedding vase is a vessel used in traditional wedding ceremonies to mark the sanctity of marriage. The wedding vase is constructed with two spouts, a handle, and a shared reservoir. The two spouts represent the couple, the handle represents their unity, and the shared reservoir symbolises their now-shared lives. The wedding vase is typically crafted by the groom's parents from clay found in a local riverbed and is used in a ceremony prior to the wedding where the couple drinks from the vase to symbolise the blending of their lives. The vase then becomes a cherished item in their household, with great care taken to ensure it is never damaged.

Sourcing clay from a local riverbed

Firstly, you will need to identify a suitable river with clay deposits. Look for rivers with slow-moving waters and sedimentary soils, as these are more likely to have clay beds. When you're at the river, look for changes in colour and texture along the bank. Clay is often grey, beige, or orange-brown, and will feel sticky and resistant when poked with a stick. It will also displace and squish rather than crumble.

Once you've identified a potential clay deposit, it's time to collect some samples. Bring a spade, small trowel, gloves, thick plastic bags, and containers to collect the clay. It's important to get permission from the landowner before taking any clay, and always leave the area undisturbed and avoid taking clay from just one spot. Take small handfuls from various places along the riverbed.

After collecting your clay, it's time to process it. Start by drying the clay outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Break it into small pieces and place them on a wooden board or cardboard to dry completely. This step is crucial, as clay that isn't fully dried will not work properly in the next steps.

Once your clay is dry, it's time to rehydrate it. Place the dry pieces in a tray or tub and add water, allowing the clay to absorb the water and turn into a gloop known as "slip." Leave it for a few hours, and then use a kitchen sieve to remove any debris and create a smooth, thick consistency.

Pour the sieved slip onto a plaster block or a large sheet of cardboard or wood and let it dry. You'll know it's ready when it can be peeled off the surface and is no longer sticky but also not so dry that it cracks when bent. At this stage, you can start forming it into a vase using traditional hand-building techniques.

Remember, creating an Indian wedding vase is a sacred tradition, and the entire process, from clay collection to vase construction, is meant to be a meaningful and symbolic experience.

Hand-building the vase

Hand-building an Indian wedding vase is a meticulous process. It is traditionally the responsibility of the groom's parents, who begin by gathering clay from a local riverbed. The clay is then combined with temper (sand or silica) to give the clay body. The vase is then built by hand, using the traditional horizontal coil method or by freely forming the shape.

The wedding vase is constructed with two openings at the top, or drinking spouts, to symbolise the two individuals coming together in marriage. These are connected by a single handle, which represents the unity of the couple. The space between the handle and the two spouts symbolises the couple's circle of life.

Once the vase has been formed, it is polished with a natural polishing stone, such as a river stone. It is then painted with a vegetal, mineral or commercial slip. The decorative features on the outside of the vase are meant to symbolise the marriage.

Finally, the vase is fired in an outdoor fire or kiln, using manure or wood as fuel. After firing, the vase is cleaned and polished, ready to be used during the wedding ceremony.

Firing the vase in an open pit

To fire the vase in an open pit, you will need to dig a hole that is about 1 foot deep (or deeper for larger firings). The hole should be deep enough for all the fuel to fit in, but not too deep, so that oxygen can still reach the fire. You can add a cinder block to the bottom of the hole to provide extra insulation, or use rocks, cement, or clay. Place your vase in the centre of the pit, ensuring it doesn't touch the sides. You can lay the vase on its side, bottom, or top. Pack the pit with sawdust, ensuring that it covers at least half of the vase and gets inside the vessel. Then, build a fire with newspaper, kindling, and medium-sized logs on top of the vase and light it. Let the fire burn out, and allow the vase to cool until it is no longer hot to the touch. Finally, rinse the vase and allow it to dry.

The coals from the fire will fall and make direct contact with the vase, turning it a nice black colour. You can add chemicals to the fire, such as copper sulfate or salt, to add flashes of colour to your vase.

It is important to be patient during the cooling process, as this is when most breakage occurs. As the vase cools, it will contract, and if one part cools faster than another, it can cause a fracture. Depending on the size of the vase, cooling can take a couple of hours to over 12 hours. It is recommended to leave the vase until it is almost completely cool before removing it from the pit.

There may be some discolouration on the vase due to the different temperatures within the fire, but this adds to the beauty of the piece.

Cleaning and polishing the vase

The cleaning and polishing of the wedding vase are essential steps in its preparation for the Native American wedding ceremony. Here are some detailed instructions for achieving a thorough clean and a lustrous polish:

Cleaning the Vase:

• Start by gently brushing away any excess clay or debris from the surface of the vase with a soft-bristled brush. Be careful not to scratch the surface.
• Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a few drops of mild soap or detergent.
• Carefully immerse the vase in the water, or use a clean cloth soaked in the soapy water to wipe it down gently. Avoid using abrasive sponges or scrubbers, as they may damage the surface.
• For any stubborn dirt or stains, create a paste from baking soda and water, and gently apply it to the affected areas with a soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly afterward.
• Ensure that all soap residue is removed by rinsing the vase under running water or wiping it with a clean, damp cloth.
• Dry the vase completely using a soft, absorbent cloth or towel. It is important that the vase is entirely dry before proceeding to the polishing step.

Polishing the Vase:

• Choose a suitable polish for the type of material your vase is made of. For a traditional Native American wedding vase made of clay, a natural beeswax-based polish or a specialised clay polish may be ideal.
• Apply a small amount of polish to a soft cloth, ensuring it is not overly saturated.
• Gently rub the polish into the surface of the vase using circular motions. Take your time with this step, as it will help to create a smooth and even finish.
• Allow the polish to absorb and dry completely.
• If desired, you can add an extra layer of protection by applying a thin coat of clear sealant suitable for use on clay or pottery. This will help protect the vase from stains and moisture.
• Once the sealant is dry, your vase will be ready for the wedding ceremony, and the happy couple can begin the tradition of filling and drinking from the vase to symbolise their union.

The cleaning and polishing process is an important part of preparing the wedding vase for its sacred role in the ceremony. It ensures that the vase is not only aesthetically pleasing but also free from any impurities, honouring the deep cultural significance it holds for Native American couples.

Filling the vase with a ceremonial liquid

The vase is filled around a week or two before the wedding ceremony, when the groom presents it to the bride at her home. The bride gathers all she will need to begin her new life with her husband, and the parents of the couple offer advice for a happy marriage.

The vase is then offered to the bride, who sips from one spout, turns the vase, and offers it to the groom, who drinks from the other spout. The vase is then turned again, and the couple both drink from the vase at the same time, symbolising their unity. If they manage this without spilling a drop, it is said they will have a long and cooperative life together.

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