Genuine Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Bear Paw Sterling Silver Belt Buckle Wilbur Muskett 0947-BB
Genuine Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Bear Paw Sterling Silver Belt Buckle Wilbur Muskett.
Made by Navajo artist Wilbur Muskett. This awesome buckle features genuine Sleeping Beauty Turquoise nuggets circling a Sterling Silver hand cut Bear Claw shadow box design. A larger Turquoise nugget is set within the bear paw. Shimmering hand stamped details complete the traditional Navajo design. This buckle is 3" wide by 2-1/2", the keeper on the back of the buckle will fit up to a 1-1/2" wide belt. Signed by the Navajo artist W.M. and stamped Sterling. Turquoise stones will vary only slightly, you will receive one from the group pictured below.
The Sleeping Beauty mine is located near Globe, Arizona. Its turquoise is noted for its solid, light blue color with no matrix. Sleeping Beauty turquoise is the favorite of the Zuni Pueblo silversmiths for use in petite point, needlepoint, and inlay jewelry. This mine is one of the largest in North America and is still operating.
The Bear is a potent source of strength for many Native Americans. Admired for their strength, independence, and self reliance, Bear's spirits 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.
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 |