Made by Navajo artist Wilbur Muskett. Genuine Sleeping Beauty Turquoise ( The Tiffany of Turquoise ) nuggets circling a Sterling Silver hand cut Bear Paw with a larger Turquoise nugget in the shadow box center to highlight. Hand stamped details in traditional Navajo design. The buckle is 3" by 2-5/8", the keeper on the back of the buckle will fit upto a 1-1/2" wide belt. Signed by the Navajo artist and stamped Sterling.

In Indian folklore it is said that there was once a chief with turquoise colored skin. One day he was running from his enemies in the hot desert. Whenever he stopped to rest, his perspiration ran onto the ground, collected in rocks and became turquoise.

There are many legends about Turquoise; The Pima consider it to bring good fortune and strength and that it helped overcome illness. The Zuni believe that blue turquoise was male and of the sky and green turquoise was female and of the earth. Pueblo Indians thought that its color was stolen from the sky. In Hopi legend the lizard who travels between the above and the below, excretes turquoise and that the stone can hold back floods. The Apache felt that turquoise on a gun or bow made it shoot straight. The Navajo consider it as good fortune to wear and believe it could appease the Wind Spirit.

Navajos comprise the largest tribe in the joined states, living on the largest reservation which is situated in northwestern New Mexico and northeastern Arizona. A feeling of tribal strength is expressed in their own name, The Navajo Nation. Women take active part in many aspects of Navajo life today.

We understand the true value and nature of hand crafted Indian art. And, we recognize that it is important to know that the artist is truly a member of a Native American tribe. So, to ensure you that this is the real deal, a Certificate of Authenticity has been included with this item.

CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC