Alaskan Diamond Hematite Standing Bear Necklace Choker

This 2 for 1 Hematite Necklace is a sensational deal. This brilliant necklace features a carved Hematite traditional standing bear intricately strung with cylindrical hematite beads. The polished deep gray Hematite beads shimmer in shades of crystal black and gray. The carved standing bear figure is 1-1/8" long and the total necklace hangs at about 18" long.

Hematite is an important ore of iron and it's blood red color (in the powdered form) lends itself well in use as a pigment. The hardened mineral form is deep steely gray or black and can be carved and polished easily. Hematite gets its name from a Greek word meaning blood-like because of the color of its powder. Ancient superstition held that large deposits of hematite formed from battles that were fought and the subsequent blood that flowed into the ground. Crystals of Hematite are considered rare and are sought after by collectors as are fine Kidney Ore specimens.

A potent source of strength was the bear, whose powers were often invoked before entering battle. Warriors sometimes painted their faces with marks resembling bear claw scratches and carried double-edged knives with Handles carved from the jawbones of bears as good luck charms. It was believed that bear power could also cure illness. Shamans or medicine men from many different groups frequently dressed as bears when working to heal the sick. Just as honoring the bear spirit could bring blessings to people, provoking the spirit might bring them harm. For that reason, some tribes, most notably the Apache, forbade their hunters to kill a bear, or even to touch the carcass of one found dead in the woods. Native Americans have always felt a special connection to nature. The belief that all things have a spirit is an integral part of their Religions. The Zuni believe that animals are more like the Zuni deities than is man. They also believe that animals have more power than man and that these powers, both practical and spiritual, reside in their totems.