Vintage Beaded Buckskin Indian Turtle Umbilical Cord Amulet.

This Beaded Buckskin Turtle Umbilical Cord Amuletis a highly collectible artifact. The Turtle is the Native American symbol for long life. This fine artifact looks like an old one, but how old it is we can't tell for sure. It was hand made from genuine Buckskin Leather. The Turtle has been dressed with some incredible hand stitched seed bead work. Colorful trade beads and rustic tin chimes give this Turtle Umbilical Cord Amulet extra detail. Umbilical Cords were traditionally placed inside such items as a measure of protection for the newborn. This incredible hand made vintage artifact is 4-1/4" long and 2-3/4" wide. It has some wear, see photo.

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.