Native American Jewelry Genuine Turquoise Coral Bear Claw Sterling Silver Squash Blossom Necklace.

Exquisite, Sterling Silver settings adorned with natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and Mediterranean Red Branch Coral in a Traditional Southwest, Squash Blossom design. The Squash Blossom is 29" long, the Naja is 2-1/4" long including the Silver fan that showcases the Naja and 2-3/4" wide. The Genuine Bear Claws are 1-1/4". Made in our shop by master silversmith Lucky. This beautiful necklace has been stamped Sterling and signed by the artist.

The Bear is a potent source of strength for many Native Americans. Admired for their strength, independence, and self reliance, the Spirit of the Bear was 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.

Southwest Indians today are perhaps best known for the beauty and variety of their jewelry. Not only is it prized by the collector, but also by those who produce it. Jewelry is considered as wealth and any ceremonial occasion is used to display it. One of the most striking features of a dance is the quantity and variety of jewelry worn by the dancers.