Navajo Sterling Silver Bear Paw Genuine Turquoise "Y" Necklace

A traditional Turquoise and Sterling Silver Bear Paw in a new and very popular design. This adjustable choker is 17-1/2" with a hand made box link silver chain. The artist Kathleen Chavez uses Persian cut Sleeping Beauty Turquoise, set in each Silver Bear Paw. The Bear Paw is a powerful symbol. Unsigned.

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.

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.

The Navajo were the first to produce jewelry that required the working of metal. Their love of metal working can be traced to the Spanish arrival in the Southwest. The silver bridles and horse trappings of the Conquistadors were admired and often stolen by the raiding Navajos. Later when the area became part of Mexico, Mexican silversmiths traded jewelry to wealthy Navajo for sheep. Jewelry became a symbol of wealth.

We understand the true value and nature of hand crafted Indian art. And, we recognize it's 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