This marriage-anniversary vase is an original and contemporary piece of Iroquois pottery. The woman and man look toward nature to seek powers (attributes) that will enhance their union. They ask for the life, health, growth and fertility of the woodland flowers. They ask for the longevity of the turtle (clan) and the patience of the heron (clan). They ask for the strength, vision and courage of the guardian eagle. They ask for the powerful instincts of nurturing, family, guidance and survival of the wolf (clan) as the wolf has the title “Pathfinder”. They ask to be part of the harmonious and prolific order of the laws and forces of nature as symbolized by the blending of the geometric or linear with the circular designs on the sphere of clay. The linear designs are considered to be male and the circular designs are female. They ask to be part of the sacred and continuous life cycles of renewal as symbolized by the various circles, i.e. dotted rim. They ask to be part of the pure and perfect order of the infinity (sky world, universe) as symbolized by the stars and planets. The earth is part of an infinity of dynamic order continuously rejuvenation and evolving through cycles (circles). The spirals symbolize natural energy that transforms into beauty and order as all the galaxies are formed in a spiral.

Steven T. Smith

Gah-loon-yah-day

(Standing Sky)

Mohawk Potter