Storyteller Hand Etched Pottery, Mitchell Blackhorse

These vases by Mitchell Blackhorse showcase a variety of iconography important to the Diné (Navajo) people. Each piece of pottery is signed by the artist. The younger brother of the popular artist Dwayne Blackhorse, the family borrows artistic elements from each other to combine techniques in unique, new ways.

• Shaman's Handprint: Handprints were often used to show an accounting of who was present at a ceremony. The Shaman's handprint, with a spiral in the palm, is a symbol of healing, peace, and energy. 
• Eagles and Feathers: The Eagle is seen as a sacred messenger that carries prayers to the Creator and returns with gifts and visions. The Eagle feather holds cleansing and healing powers. The Eagle is seen by many cultures as a symbol of courage, vision, strength and endurance. Chief of all creators in the air, primary servant of the Sun, powerful in battle, protects people from evil, master of the sky, and carrier of prayers are just a few of the roles the Eagle plays. 
• In old stories, the bear was the first medicine man. Back when the animals could speak, the bear showed us what herbs we could eat and use for medicine. This gave him the name Medicine Bear. He increases good health. In other stories, he is the strongest mammal who represents and increases strength, power, protection, and courage.